About Smarter Homes

Smarter Homes is a three year research project (2013-2017, incorporating a period of maternity leave) which explores experiences of living in low carbon homes. Using online research methods, the research will work with UK and Dutch householders to document how domestic low carbon technology influences energy demand and consumption. It will also assess the utility of online research methods, particularly netnography, for the collection, synthesis and analysis of low carbon living. Throughout the lifetime of the project, the aim is to collaborate with housing professionals and academics to identify where future strategies on building technology and associated household practices might be directed, and propose ways in which these strategies may be implemented.

The project is led by Dr. Louise Reid, based in the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, in collaboration with OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, and funded through the ESRC’s Future Research Leaders Fund.