Our largest event of the year, showcasing our research, innovation and promoting knowledge exchange, the much-anticipated ERBE-LoLo Annual Colloquium 2023 took place on 9th November 2023, preceded by an insightful pre-Colloquium training session on policy engagement, which was led by recent LoLo alumna, Dr Nicole Watson, who now works as a Senior Energy Researcher at the House of Commons Library. The event commenced with Prof. David Allinson from Loughborough University and Professor Brian O’Gallachoir from University College Cork sharing noteworthy achievements from the last year, casting a spotlight on key accomplishments from both LoLo and ERBE CDTs. Notably, this year marked a pivotal milestone as the ERBE CDT welcomed its fifth and final cohort; ERBE now comprises an impressive 68 students. ERBE’s PhD Researchers, dedicated to exploring essential themes spanning flexibility and resilience, comfort, health and well-being, and technology and system performance, demonstrated the transformative power of research in cultivating a greener, more sustainable energy landscape. Their collaborative efforts emphasised the interconnectedness of these themes, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas among PhD Researchers, LoLo alumni and key industry collaborators.
The event showcased innovative perspectives and cutting-edge findings, displayed through posters and presentations from ERBE PhD Researchers. Novel research insights were explored, notably including Orlaith McGinley’s focus on Ireland’s retrofit services, emphasising the necessity of understanding household retrofit decisions. Adria Martin-Vilaseca also highlighted the need for social-technical analysis in demand response, stressing that solely installing technology falls short in providing flexibility and resilience. From a more technological aspect, Nima Najafi-Ziarani presented methods to enhance single-sided natural ventilation through airflow guiding components, while Max Eastwood proposed refining thermal efficiency measurements by considering seasonal variability. Beyond the UK market, Maggie Yang and Shanti Srinivas delved into cooling practices and strategies in Chinese offices and Indian residential buildings, crucial in the context of hotter summers due to global warming. Collectively, these findings showcased diverse perspectives and emerging areas for further exploration, vital in advancing sustainable energy practices and bolstering built environment resilience.
During his keynote address, Julian Leslie, Chief Engineer and Head of Networks at The National Grid ESO, delineated seven pivotal engineering challenges for operating a low-carbon electricity system. Addressing critical factors such as maintaining frequency, stability, managing voltage and thermal considerations, and navigating resource availability, Julian emphasised the importance of flexibility in managing energy demand. Of particular significance was the unveiling of the UK’s groundbreaking nationwide demand response initiative in 2022/23, engaging 1.6 million participants and delivering 3.3 GWh, marking a monumental leap towards sustainable energy management and highlighting the necessity for innovative solutions in shaping a zero-carbon future.
The annual Colloquium provides our researchers with an invaluable platform for interactions with external stakeholders and discussing their findings, fostering valuable exchanges and insights. These engagements not only provided a broader perspective on the practical application of research but also facilitated networking opportunities, opening doors to potential collaborations and partnerships. Additionally, these interactions enabled our students to receive constructive feedback, enhancing the robustness of their studies and ensuring alignment with real-world needs and challenges.
The ERBE-LoLo Annual Colloquium 2023 provided an engaging platform for our young PhD researchers to present diverse insights and ground breaking research within the Energy Resilience and the Global Built Environment field. It also stands as a testament to the vibrant collaborative efforts within the energy resilience domain, showcasing pioneering research and fostering meaningful dialogues among stakeholders. We hope you can join us next year!