Rationale: In contrast to current approaches relying on statistical aggregations and averages, this project seeks to provide a detailed analysis of the structure of contemporary energy end use practices (using IT, heating, cooking, laundering, working, travelling etc.) by time of day, day of week, time of year and disaggregated by socio-demographics, location, social context and lifestage. Analysis of variation within and across such groups is crucial for understanding the range of energy used for similar practices, and for identifying which practices are more variable in this respect.
Method: This methodologically challenging project requires re-conceptualising activities for which data already exists, and in many cases developing suitable proxy indicators in order to reveal patterns and distributions of end use. Analysis will explore variations in terms of location (urban, rural), seasonality (led by Anderson); demographics, including occupancy, also showing where end use practices take place – at home, work or on the move (Torriti) – also distinguishing between regular and infrequent practices and the mobility they entail (Anable). Secondary data sources including the UK 2005 Time Use Survey and the Multinational Time-Use Study dataset and six years of the London Travel Diary Survey (which Transport for London have agreed to provide for free) will be used, with findings validated against conventional travel surveys ( National Transport Surveys) and bespoke energy/activity monitoring datasets made available by Centre partners, by third party collaborators or through ‘data fellowships’, e.g. TfL Network & Oyster Card data; CHARM (RCUK Digital Economy); DANCER (EPSRC BuildTeddi); Motoring & Car Ownership Trends in the UK (RCUK Energy Theme) and North East Scotland Energy Monitoring Project (RESAS).