Energy Demand Research Centre

The Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC) addresses the unique opportunity to realise benefits from energy demand reductions in industry, businesses, transport and homes. We explore the delivery of integrated technological and social change to rapidly reduce emissions, secure prosperity, reduce inequality and improve quality of life. **Our approach** Energy demand, which means the way people consume energy in homes, buildings, transport and industrial process, has a key part to play as we address climate change and move towards net zero societies. The energy transition means a change in the way energy is used. Energy demand reductions provide a unique opportunity to bring benefits through improved energy efficiency, emissions reductions, energy security, reduced inequality and better quality of life. Research has a central role in providing evidence on how change in energy demand can be delivered. We champion interdisciplinary and whole systems research as energy demand is complex. This requires the consideration of technological solutions, innovative business models, flexibility, behaviour change, and robust governance in buildings, transport and industry. Our research investigates how energy demand reductions can be delivered on a local and national level across the UK. We have co-created our research programme with partners to produce actionable outputs. EDRC was established in July 2023 with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). EDRC consortia is made up of 14 universities across the UK and is led by the Universities of Sussex and Birmingham.