Starting from the observation that energy is consumed by people rather than buildings, a cross-border project is using apps to change user behaviour. It has led to a 15-20 % reduction in energy consumption, in both public and private buildings.
- 22 March 2019
With THE4BEES project, we are definitely going one step further: we collect measures almost in real time and display them to all users. In parallel, we are working on behaviour change aspects with social psychologists. My students love the combination of technical and human aspects, how the way we display information and the messages we design can lead to changes in habits, and eventually in energy consumption.
Making people aware of their consumption is an important step in reducing their energy use. The THE4BEES project achieved this by developing ICT applications, such as a mobile app which provides building occupants with information on their energy use and tips on how to reduce it. Installed sensors measured electrical usage, and a prototype of an industrial sensor board was also developed.
The project developed awareness campaigns and guidelines for energy efficiency. Its models and recommendations can be used to inform policy decisions, particularly on low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency.
App leads to energy saving
An interactive app links users to sensors, electrical recorders, 3D modelling and web dashboards. The system was tested in six countries. In monitored offices, schools and houses, the system provided users with information on their electricity and heating consumption, as well as comfort indicators such as temperature and air quality, and light control. It provided hints and tips on how to improve behaviour.
The tool was tested for 32 weeks and led to a significant reduction in electrical consumption of lights and appliances. Energy saving was up to 15-20 %, particularly in social housing and offices. Air quality also improved.
Data collection
The project raised awareness about energy efficiency and energy saving, reaching more than 1 500 members of the public through events, storytelling and infographics. These events included nine coding (‘dojo’) meetings, 11 conferences, open workshops (‘bar camps’) as well as the use of social media.
A wealth of data was collected from the over 500 sensors that were used on the pilot sites. Yucca, a solution for big data management made available by project partner Regione Piemonte and managed by CSI Piemonte, was used to bridge the gap between data gathering and end-users. The data were studied with both final users and energy experts. This collaboration was named ‘CCLAB’ and a lab was created for each pilot site. The information was animated and the results compared and analysed.
The data will be used to create models and recommendations for policy improvement. These look at ways to embed behavioural aspects of energy efficiency into more structural policies, such as how buildings are built.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “THE4BEES – Transnational holistic ecosystem 4 better energy efficiency through social innovation” is EUR 2 694 646, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 2 290 449 through the “Alpine Space” Operational Programme for the 2015-2018 programming period.