Oxford’s Meter survey to provide insights for a net-zero carbon future
22 April 2020
Today, on Earth Day, a team of researchers from the University of Oxford is calling for households to download its JoyMeter app, which aims to improve our electricity use and capture a unique look at life in the lockdown.
The current social distancing, to protect people from catching and spreading the corona virus, presents a perfect opportunity to capture unique data. By studying one day’s data from thousands of UK households, the research team will be able to see how we can make better use of renewables and spread the load during peak times to be more energy efficient.
The dedicated app is easy-to-use and participants need only to record 25 activities during a day, the data collected will provide invaluable insights on energy use in the home. In order to encourage participation, one participant will receive a year’s free electricity, to a maximum of £1,000.
Dr Phil Grunewald, Deputy Director of Energy Research at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford, says: ‘Today is Earth Day and by taking part in this survey you can help our understanding of energy usage. Right now, with so many people in lockdown, we need more electricity at home, while national demand is at a record low. This is a unique opportunity to understand trends in energy usage and how they could change towards a net-zero carbon future.’
Backed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, researchers are particularly interested in data from the unique circumstances of the lockdown and are hoping to capture this through dedicated questions.
The survey will throw light on household energy consumption, while also revealing the impact of social distancing by tracking the movements and attitudes of participants and comparing these with 20,000 records collected over the past three years.
To contribute to the study this Earth Day, participants can download the app or visit the website and register at https://joymeter.uk. Find out more about the app here.
See the team's video here.
For more information contact [email protected]
Note to editors:
About Oxford University
Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the third year running, and at the heart of this success is our ground-breaking research and innovation.
Oxford is world-famous for research excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.
Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 170 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past three years.
New study on Amazonia's fire crises urges action ahead of the next burning season
New heart disease calculator could save lives by identifying high-risk patients missed by current tools
Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre moves to Oxford University after receiving continuation funding
Study shows that island bats are valuable allies for farmers
Study reveals how humanity could unite to address global challenges