Tyndall Centre Publications
The following database includes publications by researchers exclusively from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Manchester.
100.
Aberilla, Jhud Mikhail; Schmid, Alejandro Gallego; Stamford, Laurence; Azapagic, Adisa
In: Energy Conversion and Management, 0000, ISSN: 0196-8904.
@article{68557cbc8e9448b29b34adced60d59d2b,
title = {Synergistic generation of energy and water in remote communities: Economic and environmental assessment of current situation and future scenarios},
author = {Jhud Mikhail Aberilla and Alejandro Gallego Schmid and Laurence Stamford and Adisa Azapagic},
doi = {10.1016/j.enconman.2020.112543},
issn = {0196-8904},
journal = {Energy Conversion and Management},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Improving access to energy and water in remote communities is an important step towards sustainable development. However, integrated sustainability studies at the community or household scale are rare compared to industrial or national studies. Thus, this paper presents an integrated approach to the development and evaluation of energy and water supply systems in remote communities in developing countries. Termed here “synergistic generation” (“synergen”), the approach considers simultaneously electricity, heat for cooking and water supply to determine their environmental and economic sustainability on a life cycle basis. Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing are used for this purpose. Both the current situation and future scenarios to 2030 are considered for a representative remote community. The life cycle costs of the current energy and water supply are estimated at 2,944 USD/ household per year, most of which (91%) is due to bottled water. The latter is also the main cause of current environmental impacts (62%), followed by cooking fuels (33%) and electricity (5%). If business as usual (BAU) continues to 2030, air pollution and eutrophication could be reduced by >40% but other 14 impacts would increase by 263% on the current situation due to higher dependence on diesel for electricity generation and bottled water. For the same reason, BAU also has 82% higher life cycle costs (5,364 USD/household∙yr) than at present. Assuming full supply self-sufficiency (Independent scenario) leads to a >12% reduction in all impact categories, except terrestrial ecotoxicity, which increases by 5% - both trends are due to utilisation of waste biomass for cooking. The life cycle costs are reduced by 92% (231 USD/household∙yr), mainly due to the phasing out of bottled water. However, capital costs are 21% higher due to the need for multiple renewable energy installations. Pursuing moderate rather than full independence of supply (Transition scenario) would reduce most impacts and costs below those of the current situation. Overall, the Transition and Independent scenarios have lower impacts than at present in almost all environmental categories as well as lower life cycle costs. These findings demonstrate the environmental and economic feasibility of energy and water independence in remote communities as well as highlighting the likely trade-offs that should be considered during the transition.},
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Improving access to energy and water in remote communities is an important step towards sustainable development. However, integrated sustainability studies at the community or household scale are rare compared to industrial or national studies. Thus, this paper presents an integrated approach to the development and evaluation of energy and water supply systems in remote communities in developing countries. Termed here “synergistic generation” (“synergen”), the approach considers simultaneously electricity, heat for cooking and water supply to determine their environmental and economic sustainability on a life cycle basis. Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing are used for this purpose. Both the current situation and future scenarios to 2030 are considered for a representative remote community. The life cycle costs of the current energy and water supply are estimated at 2,944 USD/ household per year, most of which (91%) is due to bottled water. The latter is also the main cause of current environmental impacts (62%), followed by cooking fuels (33%) and electricity (5%). If business as usual (BAU) continues to 2030, air pollution and eutrophication could be reduced by >40% but other 14 impacts would increase by 263% on the current situation due to higher dependence on diesel for electricity generation and bottled water. For the same reason, BAU also has 82% higher life cycle costs (5,364 USD/household∙yr) than at present. Assuming full supply self-sufficiency (Independent scenario) leads to a >12% reduction in all impact categories, except terrestrial ecotoxicity, which increases by 5% - both trends are due to utilisation of waste biomass for cooking. The life cycle costs are reduced by 92% (231 USD/household∙yr), mainly due to the phasing out of bottled water. However, capital costs are 21% higher due to the need for multiple renewable energy installations. Pursuing moderate rather than full independence of supply (Transition scenario) would reduce most impacts and costs below those of the current situation. Overall, the Transition and Independent scenarios have lower impacts than at present in almost all environmental categories as well as lower life cycle costs. These findings demonstrate the environmental and economic feasibility of energy and water independence in remote communities as well as highlighting the likely trade-offs that should be considered during the transition.
99.
Kuriakose, Jaise; Anderson, Kevin; Darkod, Deborah; Obuobie, Emmanuel; Larkin, Alice; Addo, Salifu
Implications of large hydro dams for decarbonising Ghana’s energy consistent with Paris climate objectives Journal Article
In: Energy for Sustainable Development, 0000, ISSN: 0973-0826.
@article{09dd73bebde244d289b9202f38aedad0b,
title = {Implications of large hydro dams for decarbonising Ghana’s energy consistent with Paris climate objectives},
author = {Jaise Kuriakose and Kevin Anderson and Deborah Darkod and Emmanuel Obuobie and Alice Larkin and Salifu Addo},
doi = {10.1016/j.esd.2022.10.011},
issn = {0973-0826},
journal = {Energy for Sustainable Development},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Hydropower is a renewable source of electricity generation that is a common feature of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), especially in developing countries. However, far from benign, research shows that significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emanate from shallow reservoirs when they are sited in the tropics. Ghana provides a case study for exploring the implications of hydro reservoir emissions within a future energy system consistent with the Paris climate objectives. Being a fast-developing country, Ghana needs to generate significant amounts of low carbon electricity to meet growing demand over the coming 30 years. Analysis of existing Ghanaian dams (Akosombo, Kpong and Bui) and the forthcoming Pwalugu dam suggests that their average emissions intensities (gCO2/kWh) are similar to those of coal-fired power stations during the first 30 years of their operating lifetime. The case study demonstrates that cumulative (post-2020) carbon dioxide emissions from the planned and identified hydro resources will consume 40% of Ghana’s Paris-compliant carbon budget, yet provide just under 1% of its future energy demand (under Paris-compliant scenarios). The analysis suggests that new hydropower in the tropics can significantly reduce the emission space available for other sectors such as transport and industry when faced with a highly restricted emissions budget. In conclusion, for Ghana specifically, rather than construct more dams, energy efficiency and diversifying renewable energy supply options, including floating solar power, would deliver an energy transition for Ghana that is much more closely aligned with the Paris goals.},
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Hydropower is a renewable source of electricity generation that is a common feature of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), especially in developing countries. However, far from benign, research shows that significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emanate from shallow reservoirs when they are sited in the tropics. Ghana provides a case study for exploring the implications of hydro reservoir emissions within a future energy system consistent with the Paris climate objectives. Being a fast-developing country, Ghana needs to generate significant amounts of low carbon electricity to meet growing demand over the coming 30 years. Analysis of existing Ghanaian dams (Akosombo, Kpong and Bui) and the forthcoming Pwalugu dam suggests that their average emissions intensities (gCO2/kWh) are similar to those of coal-fired power stations during the first 30 years of their operating lifetime. The case study demonstrates that cumulative (post-2020) carbon dioxide emissions from the planned and identified hydro resources will consume 40% of Ghana’s Paris-compliant carbon budget, yet provide just under 1% of its future energy demand (under Paris-compliant scenarios). The analysis suggests that new hydropower in the tropics can significantly reduce the emission space available for other sectors such as transport and industry when faced with a highly restricted emissions budget. In conclusion, for Ghana specifically, rather than construct more dams, energy efficiency and diversifying renewable energy supply options, including floating solar power, would deliver an energy transition for Ghana that is much more closely aligned with the Paris goals.
98.
Brown, Claire; Wilby, R; Smith, S; Petersen, K.; Fowler, Hayley J.; Gupta, R; Harcourt, R; Kurul, E; Padhra, A.; Radcliffe, J.; Shepherd, B; Walton, J.; Fowler, Hayley J.; GUPTA, R; Harcourt, R; Kurul, E; Lee, M; Padhra, A; Radcliffe, J.; Shepherd, B; Walton, J.; Yarr, R
Assessing climate risk and strengthening resilience for UK Higher Education Institutions Miscellaneous
0000.
@misc{abe138a3903848d68e518b57cdf69e63b,
title = {Assessing climate risk and strengthening resilience for UK Higher Education Institutions},
author = {Claire Brown and R Wilby and S Smith and K. Petersen and Hayley J. Fowler and R Gupta and R Harcourt and E Kurul and A. Padhra and J. Radcliffe and B Shepherd and J. Walton and Hayley J. Fowler and R GUPTA and R Harcourt and E Kurul and M Lee and A Padhra and J. Radcliffe and B Shepherd and J. Walton and R Yarr},
abstract = {This working paper and accompanying case studies aim to support UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop processes to assess their current and future climate risks, put in place plans to adapt to these risks, and identify opportunities to strengthen their resilience. This guidance summarises the latest evidence in line with national climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, and is intended to support decision makers, senior leaders, sustainability practitioners and risk experts within HEIs to undertake this urgent work. Potential activities are identified for key actors and communities including sector bodies and government.Although the focus is on HEIs, the recommendations and approaches covered are applicable to Further Education Institutions (FEIs), albeit at more local scales and with less onus on research considerations.},
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This working paper and accompanying case studies aim to support UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop processes to assess their current and future climate risks, put in place plans to adapt to these risks, and identify opportunities to strengthen their resilience. This guidance summarises the latest evidence in line with national climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, and is intended to support decision makers, senior leaders, sustainability practitioners and risk experts within HEIs to undertake this urgent work. Potential activities are identified for key actors and communities including sector bodies and government.Although the focus is on HEIs, the recommendations and approaches covered are applicable to Further Education Institutions (FEIs), albeit at more local scales and with less onus on research considerations.
97.
Aberilla, Jhud Mikhail; Gallego-schmid, Alejandro; Stamford, Laurence; Azapagic, Adisa
An integrated sustainability assessment of synergistic supply of energy and water in remote communities Journal Article
In: Sustainable Production and Consumption, vol. 22, pp. 1–23, 0000, ISSN: 2352-5509.
@article{35411f04759640508076d7ff07e8b7e0b,
title = {An integrated sustainability assessment of synergistic supply of energy and water in remote communities},
author = {Jhud Mikhail Aberilla and Alejandro Gallego-schmid and Laurence Stamford and Adisa Azapagic},
doi = {10.1016/j.spc.2020.01.003},
issn = {2352-5509},
journal = {Sustainable Production and Consumption},
volume = {22},
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publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {The success of deploying energy and water technologies in remote communities in developing countries can be improved by considering their synergistic relationships and their social, economic and environmental implications. This paper first evaluates social implications of current energy and water supply in a prototypical remote community against five future (2030) scenarios for synergistic provision of electricity, heat for cooking and water. This is followed by an integrated assessment of the social, environmental and economic life cycle sustainability through multicriteria decision analysis. The Business-as-usual (BAU) scenario shows high life cycle health impacts but low impacts from local air pollution. The contrary is true for the Independent and Advanced Independent scenarios which assume community self-sufficiency in energy and water supply. Greater access to electricity and water in the Advanced and Advanced Independent scenarios increases the potential for human development and security of supply, but there is an increase in the risk of accidents and decrease in social acceptability of the water supply. Similarly, a transition towards clean cooking fuels away from traditional solid biomass reduces local air pollution but increases reliance on imported fuels (BAU and Advanced scenarios). The Transition scenario is socially the most sustainable option, while Independent and Advanced Independent are the best options environmentally. They also have the lowest total operating costs, but have higher capital requirements than most other scenarios. Overall, unless extreme preferences for either environmental or social aspects are adopted, the Transition and Independent scenarios emerge as the most sustainable options. This suggests that current energy and water supply to remote communities can be transitioned sustainably to a self-sufficient system that does not depend on imported resources. The scenarios developed in this work present a framework for an integrated design and evaluation of energy and water supply in remote communities with the aim of aiding stakeholders in defining sustainable transition pathways.},
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The success of deploying energy and water technologies in remote communities in developing countries can be improved by considering their synergistic relationships and their social, economic and environmental implications. This paper first evaluates social implications of current energy and water supply in a prototypical remote community against five future (2030) scenarios for synergistic provision of electricity, heat for cooking and water. This is followed by an integrated assessment of the social, environmental and economic life cycle sustainability through multicriteria decision analysis. The Business-as-usual (BAU) scenario shows high life cycle health impacts but low impacts from local air pollution. The contrary is true for the Independent and Advanced Independent scenarios which assume community self-sufficiency in energy and water supply. Greater access to electricity and water in the Advanced and Advanced Independent scenarios increases the potential for human development and security of supply, but there is an increase in the risk of accidents and decrease in social acceptability of the water supply. Similarly, a transition towards clean cooking fuels away from traditional solid biomass reduces local air pollution but increases reliance on imported fuels (BAU and Advanced scenarios). The Transition scenario is socially the most sustainable option, while Independent and Advanced Independent are the best options environmentally. They also have the lowest total operating costs, but have higher capital requirements than most other scenarios. Overall, unless extreme preferences for either environmental or social aspects are adopted, the Transition and Independent scenarios emerge as the most sustainable options. This suggests that current energy and water supply to remote communities can be transitioned sustainably to a self-sufficient system that does not depend on imported resources. The scenarios developed in this work present a framework for an integrated design and evaluation of energy and water supply in remote communities with the aim of aiding stakeholders in defining sustainable transition pathways.
96.
Kinally, Christopher; Antonanzas-Torres, Fernando; Podd, Frank; Schmid, Alejandro Gallego
Off-grid solar waste in sub-Saharan Africa: Market dynamics, barriers to sustainability, and circular economy solutions Journal Article
In: Energy for Sustainable Development, vol. 70, pp. 415–429, 0000, ISSN: 0973-0826.
@article{10b0f51d28794b5abe306a8af759b266b,
title = {Off-grid solar waste in sub-Saharan Africa: Market dynamics, barriers to sustainability, and circular economy solutions},
author = {Christopher Kinally and Fernando Antonanzas-Torres and Frank Podd and Alejandro Gallego Schmid},
doi = {10.1016/j.esd.2022.08.014},
issn = {0973-0826},
journal = {Energy for Sustainable Development},
volume = {70},
pages = {415–429},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {The rate of access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is just 42 %. The private market for household-scale off-grid solar (OGS) products (pico solar and solar home systems) is regarded as a key tool for increasing electricity access in SSA. However, the growing volume of unabated waste from OGS products poses a significant environmental risk. Based on a systematic literature review of 52 papers, the dynamics of SSA's OGS market, the drivers of OGS waste, the environmental and health impactions of OGS waste, the barriers to waste management, and potential circular economy solutions to address SSA's OGS waste flow are analysed. The market landscape is decentralised and predominantly unregulated. The lifetime of OGS products is found to be short (less than four years), limited by affordability constraints, the lack of local technical expertise, detrimental usage habits, and low access to maintenance and repair services. The widespread uptake of OGS products and short product lifetimes has resulted in rapidly increasing waste volumes across SSA (an estimated 12,000 tonnes of waste generated in 2020, a 545 % increase from 2016). The current informal recycling practices are found to have extremely severe environmental consequences. In particular, the informal recycling of lead-acid batteries is a primary driver of lead exposure in SSA. Formal waste management initiatives are hindered by competition with informal practices, inadequate legislation, the complexity of reverse logistics, the negative recycling value of some OGS products, and the absence of sophisticated formal recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, the emerging consensus on how to address SSA's OGS waste, from the industry's body and legislation across SSA, is found to be inadequate as it fails to address the majority of the waste flow. Finally, the authors recommend circular economy solutions such as promoting local resource conservation activities and pursuing effective public-private partnerships to capitalise on domestic value generating activities within the OGS waste chain.},
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The rate of access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is just 42 %. The private market for household-scale off-grid solar (OGS) products (pico solar and solar home systems) is regarded as a key tool for increasing electricity access in SSA. However, the growing volume of unabated waste from OGS products poses a significant environmental risk. Based on a systematic literature review of 52 papers, the dynamics of SSA's OGS market, the drivers of OGS waste, the environmental and health impactions of OGS waste, the barriers to waste management, and potential circular economy solutions to address SSA's OGS waste flow are analysed. The market landscape is decentralised and predominantly unregulated. The lifetime of OGS products is found to be short (less than four years), limited by affordability constraints, the lack of local technical expertise, detrimental usage habits, and low access to maintenance and repair services. The widespread uptake of OGS products and short product lifetimes has resulted in rapidly increasing waste volumes across SSA (an estimated 12,000 tonnes of waste generated in 2020, a 545 % increase from 2016). The current informal recycling practices are found to have extremely severe environmental consequences. In particular, the informal recycling of lead-acid batteries is a primary driver of lead exposure in SSA. Formal waste management initiatives are hindered by competition with informal practices, inadequate legislation, the complexity of reverse logistics, the negative recycling value of some OGS products, and the absence of sophisticated formal recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, the emerging consensus on how to address SSA's OGS waste, from the industry's body and legislation across SSA, is found to be inadequate as it fails to address the majority of the waste flow. Finally, the authors recommend circular economy solutions such as promoting local resource conservation activities and pursuing effective public-private partnerships to capitalise on domestic value generating activities within the OGS waste chain.
95.
Chhotray, Vasudha; Few, Roger
Extreme Weather and Disasters Book Chapter
In: Environmental Justice Encyclopaedia, Sage Publications, United States, 0000.
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abstract = {If the characterizations of extreme weather hazards and their impacts that still persist in news reporting were to be accepted, the connections between disasters and justice might seem tenuous. But decades of critical research and advocacy demonstrate precisely the opposite. To observe how the impacts of extreme hydrometeorological events such as floods, cyclones, heatwaves and drought play out for the populations exposed to them is to challenge all too common stereotypes about the causation and effects of disasters. Understanding of the socially driven dimensions of disasters, as humanitarian crises, has penetrated into international discourse to such an extent that it is now inscribed in the UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Yet, we can still hear reference to disasters being caused by ‘acts of God’, to human impotence in the face of ‘Nature’s Fury’, or to hazards being great levellers that do not discriminate in their impacts. Such characterizations fundamentally miss the social and environmental injustices that imbue the causation and development of disasters and the responses that society makes to them. They also obscure the deep historically shaped legacies of colonialism and ongoing dynamics of coloniality which continue to mediate the approaches taken by powerful states in relation to disasters.},
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If the characterizations of extreme weather hazards and their impacts that still persist in news reporting were to be accepted, the connections between disasters and justice might seem tenuous. But decades of critical research and advocacy demonstrate precisely the opposite. To observe how the impacts of extreme hydrometeorological events such as floods, cyclones, heatwaves and drought play out for the populations exposed to them is to challenge all too common stereotypes about the causation and effects of disasters. Understanding of the socially driven dimensions of disasters, as humanitarian crises, has penetrated into international discourse to such an extent that it is now inscribed in the UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Yet, we can still hear reference to disasters being caused by ‘acts of God’, to human impotence in the face of ‘Nature’s Fury’, or to hazards being great levellers that do not discriminate in their impacts. Such characterizations fundamentally miss the social and environmental injustices that imbue the causation and development of disasters and the responses that society makes to them. They also obscure the deep historically shaped legacies of colonialism and ongoing dynamics of coloniality which continue to mediate the approaches taken by powerful states in relation to disasters.
94.
Kinally, Christopher; Antonanzas-Torres, Fernando; Podd, Frank; Gallego-Schmid, Alejandro
Solar home systems in Malawi: Commercialisation, use and informal waste management Journal Article
In: Sustainable Production and Consumption, vol. 42, pp. 367–379, 0000, ISSN: 2352-5509, (Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors).
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title = {Solar home systems in Malawi: Commercialisation, use and informal waste management},
author = {Christopher Kinally and Fernando Antonanzas-Torres and Frank Podd and Alejandro Gallego-Schmid},
doi = {10.1016/j.spc.2023.10.008},
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abstract = {To address electricity deprivation, the Malawi Government aims to provide off-grid solar products to 45 % of the country's population by 2030, currently in the absence of a waste management strategy. This paper addresses research gaps in the life cycle of solar home systems (SHSs) in Malawi, describing the flow of materials from import to waste disposal, to investigate potential environmental and energy justice issues relating to the national electrification policy. Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted to describe the practices and perspectives of the actors in the SHS life cycle and informal waste management chain surrounding Malawi's capital city of Lilongwe: users, electronics repairers, scrap dealers, and informal lead-acid battery recyclers. The life cycle of SHSs is highlighted to be significantly impacted by the unregulated market landscape that suffers from a lack of supplier accountability, users' affordability constraints and a low understanding in SHS design and operation, resulting in frequent SHS failures. An established network of informal repairers and scrap dealers is described, effectively compensating for SHS faults and aggregating valuable waste fractions to sell to international buyers. The SHS waste flow is found to be dominated by lead-acid batteries, and the first description of an active informal lead-acid battery recycling industry in Malawi is made – posing severe health risks from the release of significant quantities of lead pollution into densely populated communities. Accordingly, Malawi's national electronification strategy is criticised for unjustly placing the responsibility for the management of the toxic off-grid solar waste flow onto energy-poor communities that are not aware of the associated hazards and do not have means for safe waste disposal. Finally, key principles for the development of effective safe waste management interventions are outlined from an energy perspective: fairly distributing responsibilities by recognising the perspectives and valuable roles of the existing actors within the waste management chain.},
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To address electricity deprivation, the Malawi Government aims to provide off-grid solar products to 45 % of the country's population by 2030, currently in the absence of a waste management strategy. This paper addresses research gaps in the life cycle of solar home systems (SHSs) in Malawi, describing the flow of materials from import to waste disposal, to investigate potential environmental and energy justice issues relating to the national electrification policy. Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted to describe the practices and perspectives of the actors in the SHS life cycle and informal waste management chain surrounding Malawi's capital city of Lilongwe: users, electronics repairers, scrap dealers, and informal lead-acid battery recyclers. The life cycle of SHSs is highlighted to be significantly impacted by the unregulated market landscape that suffers from a lack of supplier accountability, users' affordability constraints and a low understanding in SHS design and operation, resulting in frequent SHS failures. An established network of informal repairers and scrap dealers is described, effectively compensating for SHS faults and aggregating valuable waste fractions to sell to international buyers. The SHS waste flow is found to be dominated by lead-acid batteries, and the first description of an active informal lead-acid battery recycling industry in Malawi is made – posing severe health risks from the release of significant quantities of lead pollution into densely populated communities. Accordingly, Malawi's national electronification strategy is criticised for unjustly placing the responsibility for the management of the toxic off-grid solar waste flow onto energy-poor communities that are not aware of the associated hazards and do not have means for safe waste disposal. Finally, key principles for the development of effective safe waste management interventions are outlined from an energy perspective: fairly distributing responsibilities by recognising the perspectives and valuable roles of the existing actors within the waste management chain.
93.
Wood, F. R.; Dawkins, E.; Bows, A.; Bows-Larkin, Alice; Barrett, J
The application of an environmentally extended input-output model to investigate the role of technological change and consumption practices in delivering low carbon futures for the UK Proceedings Article
In: host publication, 0000, (International Society for Industrial Ecology Conference 2011 ; Conference date: 09-06-2011 Through 11-06-2011).
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92.
Dodds, Paul; Vaughan, Nem; Hayman, Gary
Global consequences of climate overshoot pathways. Book
0000.
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title = {Global consequences of climate overshoot pathways.},
author = {Paul Dodds and Nem Vaughan and Gary Hayman},
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A commissioned report on the natural and human system consequences of the world overshooting 1.5 °C.
91.
Jones, Christopher; Walsh, Christopher
Environmental Stewardship in Places of Worship Book
0000.
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A guide to how places of worship can act to reduce their contribution to climate change.
90.
Welfle, Andrew
Biomass Resource Analyses & Future Bioenergy Scenarios PhD Thesis
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, 0000.
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title = {Biomass Resource Analyses & Future Bioenergy Scenarios},
author = {Andrew Welfle},
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abstract = {The United Kingdom has committed itself to ambitious and legally-binding Greenhouse Gas emission reduction, and renewable energy contribution targets. Energy production from biomass is expected to play a significant role in achieving these targets. The PhD Research Project as presented in this Thesis provides an analysis of the UK’s indigenous biomass resources, and the potential they offer in servicing domestic bioenergy requirements. The biomass resource supply chain dynamics within the UK, govern the availability of these indigenous resources. By modelling these supply chain dynamics, an assessment has been undertaken; the principle aim of which was to evaluate the potential contribution that indigenous biomass resources can make towards the UK’s future energy mix. This Research finds that the United Kingdom has considerable indigenous biomass resources that could potentially be made available, if the UK were able to develop its supply chains to appropriately mobilise these resources. However, the specific demands and the direction of development of the UK’s future bioenergy sector, as driven by the UK Government’s current strategies and policies; demonstrate degrees of incompatibility with the forecast potential of biomass resource availability. The consequence of this disparity is likely to result in rising biomass resource imports to balance the UK’s future energy demands. Further analysis highlights the potential impacts, inherent uncertainties, and risks to the United Kingdom’s bioenergy sector; associated with trade within future global biomass resource markets. The concluding themes are based on analyses and discussions that indicate that the UK should implement strategies to develop its indigenous resources, and develop its supply chains to optimise these resources; rather than become heavily reliant on imports from the global markets.},
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The United Kingdom has committed itself to ambitious and legally-binding Greenhouse Gas emission reduction, and renewable energy contribution targets. Energy production from biomass is expected to play a significant role in achieving these targets. The PhD Research Project as presented in this Thesis provides an analysis of the UK’s indigenous biomass resources, and the potential they offer in servicing domestic bioenergy requirements. The biomass resource supply chain dynamics within the UK, govern the availability of these indigenous resources. By modelling these supply chain dynamics, an assessment has been undertaken; the principle aim of which was to evaluate the potential contribution that indigenous biomass resources can make towards the UK’s future energy mix. This Research finds that the United Kingdom has considerable indigenous biomass resources that could potentially be made available, if the UK were able to develop its supply chains to appropriately mobilise these resources. However, the specific demands and the direction of development of the UK’s future bioenergy sector, as driven by the UK Government’s current strategies and policies; demonstrate degrees of incompatibility with the forecast potential of biomass resource availability. The consequence of this disparity is likely to result in rising biomass resource imports to balance the UK’s future energy demands. Further analysis highlights the potential impacts, inherent uncertainties, and risks to the United Kingdom’s bioenergy sector; associated with trade within future global biomass resource markets. The concluding themes are based on analyses and discussions that indicate that the UK should implement strategies to develop its indigenous resources, and develop its supply chains to optimise these resources; rather than become heavily reliant on imports from the global markets.
89.
Ingrao, Carlo; Arcidiacono, Claudia; Bezama, Alberto; Ioppolo, Giuseppe; Winans, Kiara S.; Koutinas, Apostolis; Schmid, Alejandro Gallego
In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 146, pp. 358–365, 0000, ISSN: 0921-3449.
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author = {Carlo Ingrao and Claudia Arcidiacono and Alberto Bezama and Giuseppe Ioppolo and Kiara S. Winans and Apostolis Koutinas and Alejandro Gallego Schmid},
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}
88.
Braunholtz-Speight, Tim; Sharmina, Maria; Pappas, Dimitrios; Webb, Janette; González, Fabián Fuentes; Hannon, Matthew
Smart power to the people: Business models for engaging domestic energy users in smart local energy systems in Britain Journal Article
In: Energy Research & Social Science, vol. 110, 0000, ISSN: 2214-6296.
@article{a8fa3cb3106746169fc0cbee352ef9ceb,
title = {Smart power to the people: Business models for engaging domestic energy users in smart local energy systems in Britain},
author = {Tim Braunholtz-Speight and Maria Sharmina and Dimitrios Pappas and Janette Webb and Fabián Fuentes González and Matthew Hannon},
doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2024.103443},
issn = {2214-6296},
journal = {Energy Research & Social Science},
volume = {110},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) are proposed as a method of decarbonising energy systems that uses demand management by energy users to integrate intermittent renewables. SLES therefore require the increasingly active participation of energy users in the operation of energy systems. We spoke to operators and developers of existing local energy systems in Britain today, to understand their business models, and how they interact with users. We find that users are seen as critical to the effective operation of local energy systems. Operators support users to play this role, either through providing advice, or through minimising the amount of adapting to new technologies and techniques users are required to do. Often these users are physically connected to the local energy system, and cannot easily switch to a different system.As widespread deployment of SLES will require the participation of domestic users who currently can easily switch suppliers, better user engagement is a key challenge for SLES. We ran two workshops with local energy system stakeholders to develop business models to address this challenge. We present two outline business models designed to provide increased consumer protection and support to SLES users. We draw on the literature on smart energy users to analyse existing systems and our outline novel business models, discussing the conceptualisation of users that underpins them, their governance and potential conflicts of interest, and who they create value for. We end with suggestions for policy to maximise the potential of these business models to provide socially equitable access to SLES.},
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Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) are proposed as a method of decarbonising energy systems that uses demand management by energy users to integrate intermittent renewables. SLES therefore require the increasingly active participation of energy users in the operation of energy systems. We spoke to operators and developers of existing local energy systems in Britain today, to understand their business models, and how they interact with users. We find that users are seen as critical to the effective operation of local energy systems. Operators support users to play this role, either through providing advice, or through minimising the amount of adapting to new technologies and techniques users are required to do. Often these users are physically connected to the local energy system, and cannot easily switch to a different system.As widespread deployment of SLES will require the participation of domestic users who currently can easily switch suppliers, better user engagement is a key challenge for SLES. We ran two workshops with local energy system stakeholders to develop business models to address this challenge. We present two outline business models designed to provide increased consumer protection and support to SLES users. We draw on the literature on smart energy users to analyse existing systems and our outline novel business models, discussing the conceptualisation of users that underpins them, their governance and potential conflicts of interest, and who they create value for. We end with suggestions for policy to maximise the potential of these business models to provide socially equitable access to SLES.
87.
Welfle, Andrew
Introducing BREEAM for Healthcare. Journal Article
In: Health estate, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 57–59, 0000.
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title = {Introducing BREEAM for Healthcare.},
author = {Andrew Welfle},
journal = {Health estate},
volume = {63},
number = {2},
pages = {57–59},
publisher = {Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management},
abstract = {Andrew Welfle, sustainability consultant at Faber Maunsell, discusses the recently introduced BREEAM for Healthcare assessment system for health sector buildings, and highlights the key elements of a building's design that contribute to a positive rating.},
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Andrew Welfle, sustainability consultant at Faber Maunsell, discusses the recently introduced BREEAM for Healthcare assessment system for health sector buildings, and highlights the key elements of a building's design that contribute to a positive rating.
86.
Bows-Larkin, Alice; Anderson, Kevin L; Bows, Alice; Mander, Sarah; Shackley, S; Agnolucci, P; Ekins, P
Tyndall integrated energy scenarios Proceedings Article
In: British Institute of Energy Economics, 0000, (British Institute of Energy Economics ; Conference date: 01-01-1824).
@inproceedings{c3931ba8782049ab872aa278ac983368b,
title = {Tyndall integrated energy scenarios},
author = {Alice Bows-Larkin and Kevin L Anderson and Alice Bows and Sarah Mander and S Shackley and P Agnolucci and P Ekins},
booktitle = {British Institute of Energy Economics},
note = {British Institute of Energy Economics ; Conference date: 01-01-1824},
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pubstate = {published},
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85.
Welfle, Andrew; Chingaira, Salome; Kassenov, Alisher
Decarbonising Kenya’s Domestic & Industry Sectors through Bioenergy: An Assessment of Biomass Resource Potential & GHG Performances Journal Article
In: Biomass & Bioenergy, 0000, ISSN: 0961-9534.
@article{f5f59ecbc225486fb24982afe5b82a9db,
title = {Decarbonising Kenya’s Domestic & Industry Sectors through Bioenergy: An Assessment of Biomass Resource Potential & GHG Performances},
author = {Andrew Welfle and Salome Chingaira and Alisher Kassenov},
issn = {0961-9534},
journal = {Biomass & Bioenergy},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {All countries are challenged with finding secure, affordable and clean energy options to drive sustainable development. Within many developing countries there is often strong reliance on traditional bioenergy from fuels such as charcoal, which is typically cheaper and readily available compared to fossil fuels. These fuels have large environmental impacts and place pressure on forests. Modern bioenergy using resources such as agricultural wastes and residues and through growing energy crops can provide alternative low carbon renewable energy opportunities. This research applies the Biomass Resource Model to explore potential bioenergy opportunities in Kenya. Attributional LCA analyses is undertaken to evaluate the potential GHG savings that may be achieved if briquettes produced from Kenyan biomass are used to replace fossil and traditional bioenergy fuels for household cooking and for industry. Kenyan agriculture can provide large opportunities for bioenergy - crop residues and animal wastes potentially providing up to 15.6 and 7.9 Mt(odt) by 2050. Implementing an energy crop planting strategy where 1% of available suitable lands are utilised by 2050 could produce >7 Mt of biomass fuels, rising to >36 Mt if 5% of lands were planted. Biomass briquette fuels could provide up to 8.01 TWh bioenergy for industry by 2050 – the GHG intensity of this energy being lower than that of the fossil fuels and significantly lower than that of the traditional biomass alternatives.},
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All countries are challenged with finding secure, affordable and clean energy options to drive sustainable development. Within many developing countries there is often strong reliance on traditional bioenergy from fuels such as charcoal, which is typically cheaper and readily available compared to fossil fuels. These fuels have large environmental impacts and place pressure on forests. Modern bioenergy using resources such as agricultural wastes and residues and through growing energy crops can provide alternative low carbon renewable energy opportunities. This research applies the Biomass Resource Model to explore potential bioenergy opportunities in Kenya. Attributional LCA analyses is undertaken to evaluate the potential GHG savings that may be achieved if briquettes produced from Kenyan biomass are used to replace fossil and traditional bioenergy fuels for household cooking and for industry. Kenyan agriculture can provide large opportunities for bioenergy - crop residues and animal wastes potentially providing up to 15.6 and 7.9 Mt(odt) by 2050. Implementing an energy crop planting strategy where 1% of available suitable lands are utilised by 2050 could produce >7 Mt of biomass fuels, rising to >36 Mt if 5% of lands were planted. Biomass briquette fuels could provide up to 8.01 TWh bioenergy for industry by 2050 – the GHG intensity of this energy being lower than that of the fossil fuels and significantly lower than that of the traditional biomass alternatives.
84.
Welfle, Andrew
Waste-to-Energy: Integrated Approaches and Future Perspectives Book
Springer London, United Kingdom, 0000, ISBN: 978-3-030-91569-8.
@book{f67fefb761d74d20b2120a11ceea35ffb,
title = {Waste-to-Energy: Integrated Approaches and Future Perspectives},
author = {Andrew Welfle},
isbn = {978-3-030-91569-8},
publisher = {Springer London},
address = {United Kingdom},
abstract = {Many conversion technologies and processes for bioenergy generation from wastes have been reported and discussed in the previous chapters. These conversion technologies are being selected and applied depending on the type of wastes, chemical composition of the available waste and the desired energy vector. For example, anaerobic digestion (AD) is used for biogas production from mixed biological wastes with varied chemical compositions. Fermentation for bioethanol production is used for wastes that are rich in simple sugars and/or starch. Pyrolysis, combustion and gasification are used for crude bio-oil and/or syngas production from a wide range of wastes, especially those that contain high lignocellulosic compounds. These are environmentally friendly technologies for waste management and bioenergy production, but their economic feasibility is usually limited using a process of a single conversion route. Recent research and prospects suggested that integrating processes for bioenergy production from waste could increase the efficiency of the system in terms of economy, energy recovery and beneficial impact on the environment. This chapter discusses waste biorefinery as a recent trend towards circular bioeconomy. The chapter provides suggestions for future integrated systems for the simultaneous production of multiple energy vectors and high-value chemicals from different types of wastes. In the integrated system, the by-products from the first conversion process are used as substrates for the subsequent conversion process and so on. The importance of catalysis in offering flexibility in an integrated biorefinery system by providing novel routes and downstream environmental solutions for flue gas and exhaust gas cleaning was also covered in the chapter. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of models with bioenergy and biomass resource decision making, with focus on bioenergy from waste case studies. This includes assessment of the key issues that determine the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of feedstock choices and technology options. Also covering the social and political frameworks that will enable and drive transitions towards increased bioenergy from waste activities. The chapter presents policy case studies from the EU, China, USA and India, and highlights how social acceptance will be key to the success of any bioenergy from waste sector.},
keywords = {},
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}
Many conversion technologies and processes for bioenergy generation from wastes have been reported and discussed in the previous chapters. These conversion technologies are being selected and applied depending on the type of wastes, chemical composition of the available waste and the desired energy vector. For example, anaerobic digestion (AD) is used for biogas production from mixed biological wastes with varied chemical compositions. Fermentation for bioethanol production is used for wastes that are rich in simple sugars and/or starch. Pyrolysis, combustion and gasification are used for crude bio-oil and/or syngas production from a wide range of wastes, especially those that contain high lignocellulosic compounds. These are environmentally friendly technologies for waste management and bioenergy production, but their economic feasibility is usually limited using a process of a single conversion route. Recent research and prospects suggested that integrating processes for bioenergy production from waste could increase the efficiency of the system in terms of economy, energy recovery and beneficial impact on the environment. This chapter discusses waste biorefinery as a recent trend towards circular bioeconomy. The chapter provides suggestions for future integrated systems for the simultaneous production of multiple energy vectors and high-value chemicals from different types of wastes. In the integrated system, the by-products from the first conversion process are used as substrates for the subsequent conversion process and so on. The importance of catalysis in offering flexibility in an integrated biorefinery system by providing novel routes and downstream environmental solutions for flue gas and exhaust gas cleaning was also covered in the chapter. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of models with bioenergy and biomass resource decision making, with focus on bioenergy from waste case studies. This includes assessment of the key issues that determine the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of feedstock choices and technology options. Also covering the social and political frameworks that will enable and drive transitions towards increased bioenergy from waste activities. The chapter presents policy case studies from the EU, China, USA and India, and highlights how social acceptance will be key to the success of any bioenergy from waste sector.
83.
Hoolohan, Claire; Browne, Alison Leigh
Reimagining Spaces of Innovation for Water Efficiency and Demand Management: An Exploration of Professional Practices in the English Water Sector Journal Article
In: Water Alternatives, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 957–978, 0000, ISSN: 1965-0175.
@article{162ed67df18b41078782195ec6fb8b26b,
title = {Reimagining Spaces of Innovation for Water Efficiency and Demand Management: An Exploration of Professional Practices in the English Water Sector},
author = {Claire Hoolohan and Alison Leigh Browne},
issn = {1965-0175},
journal = {Water Alternatives},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {957–978},
publisher = {Water Alternatives Association},
abstract = {Social practice theories have established an important counter narrative to conventional accounts of demand. The core argument of this body of research is that, having focused on informing and incentivising behavioural change, demand management has largely neglected the social and material dimensions of everyday action that shape how and why resources are used. Despite making a compelling case for reframing demand management, there is limited evidence of practice-based approaches having gained a foothold in policy and business practices. This raises important questions regarding how and why certain modes of intervention are pursued at the expense of others and, more broadly, the factors that shape the pace and direction of innovation in demand management.In this paper we turn a practice-lens towards the professional practices of demand management. Using mixedmethods, we demonstrate how specific modes of intervention emerge as priorities within a social, political,semiotic and material landscape of professional practice. Our empirical analysis highlights four particularcontingencies of demand management that constrain the scope of interventions pursued. These are industryexpectations and ideals; modes of collaboration; processes of evidencing action; and hydrosocial disturbances.We discuss the implications of these findings, making suggestions as to how innovation in the practices of demandmanagement might be facilitated, and the role of academic research in this process.},
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Social practice theories have established an important counter narrative to conventional accounts of demand. The core argument of this body of research is that, having focused on informing and incentivising behavioural change, demand management has largely neglected the social and material dimensions of everyday action that shape how and why resources are used. Despite making a compelling case for reframing demand management, there is limited evidence of practice-based approaches having gained a foothold in policy and business practices. This raises important questions regarding how and why certain modes of intervention are pursued at the expense of others and, more broadly, the factors that shape the pace and direction of innovation in demand management.In this paper we turn a practice-lens towards the professional practices of demand management. Using mixedmethods, we demonstrate how specific modes of intervention emerge as priorities within a social, political,semiotic and material landscape of professional practice. Our empirical analysis highlights four particularcontingencies of demand management that constrain the scope of interventions pursued. These are industryexpectations and ideals; modes of collaboration; processes of evidencing action; and hydrosocial disturbances.We discuss the implications of these findings, making suggestions as to how innovation in the practices of demandmanagement might be facilitated, and the role of academic research in this process.
82.
Hoolohan, Claire
Unintended consequences: Unknowable and unavoidable, or knowable and unforgivable? Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Climate, 0000, ISSN: 2624-9553.
@article{5e29a66b047b45069a6d491a8af37b8bb,
title = {Unintended consequences: Unknowable and unavoidable, or knowable and unforgivable?},
author = {Claire Hoolohan},
doi = {10.3389/fclim.2021.737929},
issn = {2624-9553},
journal = {Frontiers in Climate},
publisher = {Frontiers Media S. A.},
abstract = {Recognizing that there are multiple environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate, it is essential that potential negative outcomes of seemingly positive actions are accounted for. This alertness to unintended consequences underscores the importance of so called ‘nexus’ research, which recognizes the integrated and interactive nature of water, energy and food systems, and aims to understand the broader implications of developments in any one of these systems. This article presents a novel framework for categorizing such detrimental unintended consequences, based upon how much is known about the system in question and the scope for avoiding any such unintended consequences. The framework comprises four categories (Knowable and Avoidable; Knowable and Unavoidable; Unknowable and Avoidable, and Unknowable and Unavoidable). The categories are explored with reference to examples in both the water-energy-food nexus and planetary boundary frameworks. The examples highlight the potential for the unexpected to happen and explore dynamic nature of the situations that give rise to the unexpected. The article concludes with guidance on how the framework can be used to increase confidence that best efforts have been made to navigate our way towards secure and sustainable water, energy and food systems, avoiding and/or managing unintended consequences along the way.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Recognizing that there are multiple environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate, it is essential that potential negative outcomes of seemingly positive actions are accounted for. This alertness to unintended consequences underscores the importance of so called ‘nexus’ research, which recognizes the integrated and interactive nature of water, energy and food systems, and aims to understand the broader implications of developments in any one of these systems. This article presents a novel framework for categorizing such detrimental unintended consequences, based upon how much is known about the system in question and the scope for avoiding any such unintended consequences. The framework comprises four categories (Knowable and Avoidable; Knowable and Unavoidable; Unknowable and Avoidable, and Unknowable and Unavoidable). The categories are explored with reference to examples in both the water-energy-food nexus and planetary boundary frameworks. The examples highlight the potential for the unexpected to happen and explore dynamic nature of the situations that give rise to the unexpected. The article concludes with guidance on how the framework can be used to increase confidence that best efforts have been made to navigate our way towards secure and sustainable water, energy and food systems, avoiding and/or managing unintended consequences along the way.
81.
Watson, Matt; Browne, Alison; Evans, David; Foden, Mike; Hoolohan, Claire; Sharp, Liz
Challenges and opportunities for re-framing resource use policy with practice theories: The Change Points approach Journal Article
In: Global Environmental Change, vol. 62, 0000, ISSN: 0959-3780, (Funding Information: Policy implementation of practice theories in the UK was spearheaded by the Sustainable Practices Research Group (SPRG) – part funded by the UK and Scottish Governments. In their international review of behaviour change initiatives, Southerton et al. (2011) used detailed case studies to exemplify how such initiatives might move beyond the individual to attend to the social and material constituents of practices. The subsequent work of the SPRG culminated in a more direct exposition of practice thinking and its implications for policy ( Spurling et al., 2013 ). This report aimed to enable a shift in governmental understandings of behaviour from ‘the expression of an individual's values and attitudes’ to ‘the observable expression of [a] social phenomenon’ ( Spurling et al., 2013 : 47). Of particular note was a recognition of systemic interdependencies between practices and the resulting complexities for designing change initiatives. Funding Information: The research underpinning this paper was funded by the ESRC Nexus Network with two grants, ‘The Nexus at Home’ and ‘Reshaping the Nexus at Home’ across University of Sheffield and University of Manchester (Watson (PI), Browne, Evans, Sharp). Follow on work has been funded by ESRC Impact Accelerator funding via University of Sheffield and University of Manchester. Funding Information: The research underpinning this paper was funded by the ESRC Nexus Network with two grants, ?The Nexus at Home? and ?Reshaping the Nexus at Home? across University of Sheffield and University of Manchester (Watson (PI), Browne, Evans, Sharp). Follow on work has been funded by ESRC Impact Accelerator funding via University of Sheffield and University of Manchester. A wide range of partners have played significant roles in the research process, including Tom Andrewartha & Tim Wagstaff (Northumbrian Water Group); Helen Atkinson, Joanna Disson & Alice Rayner (Food Standards Agency); Simon Blyth (Actant Consulting); Rob Lawson & Dene Marshallsay (Artesia Consulting); Jessica Phoenix, Stacy Sharman & Emma Webb (Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs); Carmen Snowdon & Nicci Russell (Waterwise); Rachel Gray & Sarah Bromley (Waste Resource Action Programme); Dani Jordan & Joanna Trewern (WWF-UK). Workshop participants, from early evidence gathering events through to workshops applying the approach, are also gratefully acknowledged. Peter Jackson, Alan Warde and Dale Southerton were active in the early part of the research process, as co-Investigators on the initial grant and as advisory board members on the second project. We are grateful to editors and reviewers for valuable comments on the paper, and also to Sam Outhwaite for significant input on this paper. Publisher Copyright: © 2020).
@article{ad990e8950f6457aac8ab002bc386a00b,
title = {Challenges and opportunities for re-framing resource use policy with practice theories: The Change Points approach},
author = {Matt Watson and Alison Browne and David Evans and Mike Foden and Claire Hoolohan and Liz Sharp},
doi = {10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2020.102072},
issn = {0959-3780},
journal = {Global Environmental Change},
volume = {62},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Concerns about the climate crisis and the escalating pace of global consumption are accelerating the pressure on governments to moderate public demand for resources like water, food and energy. Notwithstanding their increasing sophistication, standard behavioural change approaches continue to be criticised for a narrow understanding of what shapes behaviour. One alternative theoretical position comes from practice theories, which draw on interpretive and relational understandings to focus on practices rather than people's behaviour, and hence highlight the complex and distributed set of factors shaping resource use. While practice theories have gained considerable interest from policy institutions within and beyond the UK they so far have had limited impact upon policy. It has even been argued that there are insurmountable challenges in reconciling the ontological commitments of practice theories with the realities of policy processes. This article advances academic and policy debates about the practical implications of practice theories. It works with evidence from transdisciplinary research intended to establish whether and how key distinctive insights from social practice research can usefully be brought to bear on policy. We pursued this through co-productive research with four key UK national policy partners, focusing on effective communication of social practice research evidence on agreed issues. A key outcome of collaboratively negotiating challenging social theory to usefully influence policy processes is the ‘Change Points’ approach, which our partners identified as offering new thinking on initiatives promoting reductions in people's use and disposal of resources. The Change Points approach was developed to enable policy processes to confront the complexities of everyday action, transforming both how problems are framed and how practical initiatives for effecting change are developed. We discuss the case of food waste reduction in order to demonstrate the potential of Change Points to reframe behaviour change policy. We end the paper by addressing the potential and limitations of informing policy with insights from practice theories based upon the successes as well as the challenges we have met. This discussion has broader implications beyond practice theories to other fields of social theory, and to debates on the relations between academic research and policy more broadly. We argue that, through a co-productive approach with policy professionals, and so engagement with the practices of policy making, it is possible to provide a partial and pragmatic but nevertheless effective translation of key distinctive insights from practice theories and related research, to reframe policy problems and hence to identify spaces for effecting change for sustainability.},
note = {Funding Information: Policy implementation of practice theories in the UK was spearheaded by the Sustainable Practices Research Group (SPRG) – part funded by the UK and Scottish Governments. In their international review of behaviour change initiatives, Southerton et al. (2011) used detailed case studies to exemplify how such initiatives might move beyond the individual to attend to the social and material constituents of practices. The subsequent work of the SPRG culminated in a more direct exposition of practice thinking and its implications for policy ( Spurling et al., 2013 ). This report aimed to enable a shift in governmental understandings of behaviour from ‘the expression of an individual's values and attitudes’ to ‘the observable expression of [a] social phenomenon’ ( Spurling et al., 2013 : 47). Of particular note was a recognition of systemic interdependencies between practices and the resulting complexities for designing change initiatives. Funding Information: The research underpinning this paper was funded by the ESRC Nexus Network with two grants, ‘The Nexus at Home’ and ‘Reshaping the Nexus at Home’ across University of Sheffield and University of Manchester (Watson (PI), Browne, Evans, Sharp). Follow on work has been funded by ESRC Impact Accelerator funding via University of Sheffield and University of Manchester. Funding Information: The research underpinning this paper was funded by the ESRC Nexus Network with two grants, ?The Nexus at Home? and ?Reshaping the Nexus at Home? across University of Sheffield and University of Manchester (Watson (PI), Browne, Evans, Sharp). Follow on work has been funded by ESRC Impact Accelerator funding via University of Sheffield and University of Manchester. A wide range of partners have played significant roles in the research process, including Tom Andrewartha & Tim Wagstaff (Northumbrian Water Group); Helen Atkinson, Joanna Disson & Alice Rayner (Food Standards Agency); Simon Blyth (Actant Consulting); Rob Lawson & Dene Marshallsay (Artesia Consulting); Jessica Phoenix, Stacy Sharman & Emma Webb (Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs); Carmen Snowdon & Nicci Russell (Waterwise); Rachel Gray & Sarah Bromley (Waste Resource Action Programme); Dani Jordan & Joanna Trewern (WWF-UK). Workshop participants, from early evidence gathering events through to workshops applying the approach, are also gratefully acknowledged. Peter Jackson, Alan Warde and Dale Southerton were active in the early part of the research process, as co-Investigators on the initial grant and as advisory board members on the second project. We are grateful to editors and reviewers for valuable comments on the paper, and also to Sam Outhwaite for significant input on this paper. Publisher Copyright: © 2020},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Concerns about the climate crisis and the escalating pace of global consumption are accelerating the pressure on governments to moderate public demand for resources like water, food and energy. Notwithstanding their increasing sophistication, standard behavioural change approaches continue to be criticised for a narrow understanding of what shapes behaviour. One alternative theoretical position comes from practice theories, which draw on interpretive and relational understandings to focus on practices rather than people's behaviour, and hence highlight the complex and distributed set of factors shaping resource use. While practice theories have gained considerable interest from policy institutions within and beyond the UK they so far have had limited impact upon policy. It has even been argued that there are insurmountable challenges in reconciling the ontological commitments of practice theories with the realities of policy processes. This article advances academic and policy debates about the practical implications of practice theories. It works with evidence from transdisciplinary research intended to establish whether and how key distinctive insights from social practice research can usefully be brought to bear on policy. We pursued this through co-productive research with four key UK national policy partners, focusing on effective communication of social practice research evidence on agreed issues. A key outcome of collaboratively negotiating challenging social theory to usefully influence policy processes is the ‘Change Points’ approach, which our partners identified as offering new thinking on initiatives promoting reductions in people's use and disposal of resources. The Change Points approach was developed to enable policy processes to confront the complexities of everyday action, transforming both how problems are framed and how practical initiatives for effecting change are developed. We discuss the case of food waste reduction in order to demonstrate the potential of Change Points to reframe behaviour change policy. We end the paper by addressing the potential and limitations of informing policy with insights from practice theories based upon the successes as well as the challenges we have met. This discussion has broader implications beyond practice theories to other fields of social theory, and to debates on the relations between academic research and policy more broadly. We argue that, through a co-productive approach with policy professionals, and so engagement with the practices of policy making, it is possible to provide a partial and pragmatic but nevertheless effective translation of key distinctive insights from practice theories and related research, to reframe policy problems and hence to identify spaces for effecting change for sustainability.
