Noel Flay Cass

At the University of Leeds I have been working on three projects using qualitative research to investigate the public experiences of integrating Electric Vehicles and solar PV into smart grids and everyday life, and more recently, exploring 'excess consumption'. My most recent projects diverted from my central energy and environment themes, researching organic electronics and a mobility app that was co-created with older people, to aid their social connectedness. Previously I have researched on practice theories of energy demand, energy demand lock-in through building design and standards, everyday mobility as social practice, mobility/transport and climate change policy, (particularly wind, marine and small hydro) renewable energy technologies, nuclear waste disposal policy, fuel poverty, energy and the built environment, carbon capture and storage, especially with reference to public (deliberative) participation in policy-making with experience in conducting and analysing public engagement processes. I focus on qualitative research methods, including interviews and focus groups, and secondary data analysis. Theoretically I am based in sociology, Science and Technology Studies, and practice theory, and my focus is on the constitution of 'energy demand' - why it is that contemporary society and everyday life demands (such high levels of) energy consumption.