At Home with Energy

9.20-09.50

Refreshments & Registration

09.50-10.00

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Professor Simone Abram, DEI Executive Director

10.00-11.00

Panel 1 – Homefront Heroes: Battling Carbon

This session delves into the complex challenge of reducing carbon emissions within our homes. As domestic energy use accounts for a significant portion of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, transforming how we heat, cook, and power our households is crucial to meeting climate goals. Our panel of experts will explore:

·     The current landscape of domestic energy consumption and its environmental impact

·     Innovative technologies and practices for home energy efficiency

·     The socio-economic factors influencing adoption of low-carbon solutions

·     Policy frameworks and incentives to support widespread domestic decarbonisation

·     The role of community initiatives in driving change

·     Balancing comfort, affordability, and sustainability in home energy transitions

Chair: 

Professor Simone Abram

Panellists:

Ms Michelle Dawson, 13 Group - How housing associations can innovate for domestic energy improvements

Ms Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower Association/ Rossendale Valley Energy – The Net Zero Terrace Street programme – whole system, one touch approach to decarbonising heat/ undertaking retrofit and delivering a smart system.

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader at NCC - Facing domestic energy challenges in the North East

Ms Jennifer Dickie, Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods - The role and importance of interdisciplinary research approaches for achieving sustainability in home energy transition

11.00-11.30

Refreshment Break

11.30-12.45

Panel 2 – Durham's Homegrown Solutions: Fuelling Fair and Green Futures

This panel showcases innovative approaches to energy challenges developed right here at Durham University. This diverse panel brings together experts from Engineering, Law, Anthropology and Computer Science and Anthropology, to explore multidisciplinary solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Panellists will discuss how their research and initiatives contribute to creating equitable and environmentally friendly energy systems, with a focus on practical applications for homes and communities.

Join us to discover how Durham's expertise is shaping the path towards a fairer, greener energy landscape.

Chair:

Dr Andrew Crossland, Future Zero Consulting, DEI Advisory Board & Professor in Practice                  

Panellists: 

Dr Nima Gerami-Seresht, DEI Fellow & Department of Engineering – Occupants’ impact on the sustainability and resilience of the built environment

Dr Kim Bouwer, DEI Co-Director & Department of Law – Challenging Poor Energy Performance in new Homes, a Research Agenda

Dr Mayanka Mukherji, Department of Anthropology - Warm Bodies, Cold Homes - An Ethnography of Domestic Heating Practices in London

Dr Connor Watt, Department of Geography - Invoking Industrial Pasts in New Green Economies

12.45-14.30

Networking Lunch break & Trade Fair

14.30-15.30

Panel 3 – Energising the Future: Durham's Strategic Projects

Join us for an exciting exploration of Durham University's strategic energy and sustainability initiatives. This panel will showcase the major strategic projects that are shaping the future of energy research and sustainable practices at our institution. 

In this session, you'll hear brief introductions to several key projects that demonstrate Durham's commitment to addressing global energy challenges and promoting sustainability.

Chair:

Professor Joanna Berry, DEI Co-Director & Durham University Business School

Panellists:

Dr Ciara Keating, Department of Engineering - Smart Soils (Soil and Microbiome Augmentation and Restoration Technologies)

Dr Simona Capisani, Department of Philosophy - Heritage 360

Dr Nelly Bencomo, Department of Computing Sciences - JusTNOW

15.30-16.30

Session 4 – Knowledge Carousel: New Generation Researchers at Durham & Established Researchers & Refreshments

Discover the cutting-edge research shaping the future of energy at Durham University. This dynamic panel showcases the innovative work of our early career research fellows at the Durham Energy Institute (DEI) as well as the work of some of our more established academics.

In a fast-paced, carousel-style format, these bright minds will present their groundbreaking projects, offering fresh perspectives on pressing energy challenges.  Join us for an inspiring glimpse into the future of energy research and its potential impact on creating more sustainable, efficient, and equitable home environments.’

Chair:

Dr Stuart Jones                  

Tables:

1- Ms Ekanem Bassey, Department of Law - Energy Transition and Legitimate Expectations

2 – Ms Kalila Mackenzie, Durham University Business School - Minewater geothermal

3 – Ms Isha Saxena, Department of Engineering - Offshore wind energy

4 – Professor Jon Gluyas, Department of Earth Sciences – Natural Hydrogen & Helium

5 – Mr Shunmin Zhu, Department of Engineering - Hybrid cogeneration systems for single-family homes

6 – Mr Connor Watt, Department of Geography - Invoking Industrial Pasts in New Green Economies

7 – Dr Ben Campbell, Department of Anthropology - Energy Commons as people's participation in energy transitions

16.30-17.10

Keynote speech – Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Officer, introduced by Professor Phil Dyer, DEI Fellow & Department of Chemistry

“Everything, everywhere, all at once: The science challenges for Net Zero”

Professor Paul Monks is the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). As CSA, he delivers independent and impartial scientific advice to Ministers and policy makers across the DESNZ portfolio. 

Paul also works closely with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, other Departmental CSAs, and the department’s Chief Economist, to strengthen the links within and across departments, encouraging effective engagement and knowledge sharing, and to support delivery of a robust evidence base to underpin DESNZ policy decisions. Prior to joining the department, Paul was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science.  

17.10-17.15

Closing remarks

Mary Foy MP, City of Durham

17.15-18.00

Networking drinks reception