Ian has funded research activity in two related areas. First, he is active on projects that examine the ways in which sustainable energy technologies in buildings (both energy efficiency- and renewable energy-related equipment) are used by occupants, and how occupants’ interests affect the design of the same. To get a further idea of this kind of work, see the website for the Energy Hub Management System project and the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Research Network Network. Students who have understanding of, and interests in, building technologies and individuals’ and groups’ decision-making processes (against a background of ‘sustainable energy’) could well find this work relevant.
Second, Ian is active on projects that focus on broader social science issues associated with the development of sustainable energy, generally, and the smart grid, in particular. This may involve policies at the provincial level, business strategies and/or reflections upon the development of alternative smart grid agendas. Students who have understanding of, and interests in, policy-making, governance and the social construction of knowledge (against a background of ‘sustainable energy’) could well find this work relevant. An example of this kind of project is the ongoing work in the SSHRC-supported Smart Grid Partnership.