Modelling approaches for retrofitting energy systems in cities. Current practice and future challenges in Newcastle upon Tyne

This paper proposes the initial formulation of an activity-based model framework to model and quantify the effects of household practices on energy demand in the domestic sector. Indeed, this socio-technical research is seeking to understand the effects of two salient aspects of the interaction between energy consumption and household practices in a scenario of imposed retrofitted: 1) take back effect; and 2) demand-side management. A conceptual framework and a detailed case study of 200 social sector households in Newcastle upon Tyne are proposed to bring together both the theory and practice.

The paper reviews the UK low carbon agenda to provide an overview of the key policies for carbon reduction in the domestic sector involving retrofit insulation. It, then, briefly examines the take back effect and demand side management concepts to contextualise the emphasis of the proposed study. Further, it looks at practice theory for connecting socio-technical systems and reviews the urban energy modelling to simulate and quantify the interplay between technical and social systems (take back effect and demand side management). Furthermore, practices and modelling challenges at the local level are reviewed. Finally the case study is presented.