Call for Papers

CLUES Conference: Energy in the Locality.

8^th May 2012, University College London, London

To register your interest please go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/2812188331.

Many current research projects on energy systems are using urban and rural case studies to explore a variety of research questions.  They employ a wide range of techniques and resulting findings provide a rich platform for interaction between academics, on the one hand, and policy makers and practitioners, on the other hand.

The CLUES Conference: Energy in the Locality is organised as part of the CLUES Project (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/clues/) and aims to provide an opportunity to hear results from local case studies on different aspects of energy systems, and to reflect on the theoretical and methodological implications of using case studies to understand such systems.

A key-note address will be provided by Professor Patrick Devine-Wright of Exeter University. Thereafter the conference will be structured into three streams:

Ø  The Theory and Methodology of Case Study Research Session will explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of local case study research in relation to energy studies.

Ø  The Results from Urban and Rural Energy Case Studies Session will overview research findings from projects based on urban and/or rural energy case studies.

Ø  The Case Study Circus Session will focus on short presentations of ‘one-offs’ innovative local energy case studies.

In addition, there will be a Poster Session where delegates can view summaries of research projects during refreshment periods.

Abstract submissions will take the form of:

Ø  an abstract of up to 250 words for papers for ‘Theory and Methodology’ or ‘Results’ sessions,  and/or

Ø  a brief outline of up to 50 words for the ‘Case Study Circus’ or the’ Poster Session’.

Abstracts should be submitted by 24 February 2012 to clues@ucl.ac.uk. Successful presenters will be notified by 16 March 2012. Conference participation is free but a limited number of places is available and priority will be given to those giving presentations.

Please feel free to disseminate to all those who might be interested.

To register your interest please go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/2812188331.

Contact details:

Dr. Catalina Turcu

Bartlett School of Planning UCL

22 Gordon Street London WC1H 0QB

Catalina.Turcu@ucl.ac.uk

CLUES Survey of Urban Energy Projects

As part of our work to bring together the various tracks of activity in CLUES, we are inviting people who are involved with urban energy to take part in a survey that aims to enhance understanding of the issues and challenges that they face.

Who should take part?

If you have been involved with projects or policy to develop energy generation, increase energy efficiency in urban areas in the UK, or other activities related to urban energy generation and consumption, then your input will be invaluable. We are particularly interested in hearing from planners, policy makers, and urban designers as well as individuals working in the third sector.

How does it work? 

The survey will be carried out in two stages via a web interface between January and April 2012, with the second stage being based on the results of the first (referred to as Delphi technique). Each stage will require a maximum of half an hour and can be completed at a time convenient to the participant.

What is the research?

The survey is part of the CLUES project (Challenging Lock-in Through Urban Energy Systems), which is combining national and international research to better understand how urban energy systems can contribute to delivering carbon reductions, and disseminating the findings in a way that will assist decision-making. 

How can you take part?

I hope that you will consider taking part. To register, simply enter your name and email address into this Internet form (www.tinyurl.com/urbanenergyclues) by 27th January. If you have any questions about the research, please contact graeme.sherriff@manchester.ac.uk.

Please mention this to colleagues who may be interested in taking part.