Assessing the Impact of Energy Management Systems |
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
You are invited to take part in a research study led by Edgar Gomez, a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh, under the supervision of Dr. Kate Carter and Dr. W. Victoria Lee. Before deciding, please read the following information carefully to understand the study’s purpose and what participation involves.
What is the purpose of the study?
This study explores how households engage with real-time energy feedback systems (RTEF), examining both the benefits and challenges of these technologies. It is the first phase of a larger research project that will later involve a housing association. The findings will help identify key opportunities and challenges, shaping future research and strategies for social housing. The goal is to understand how RTEF can reduce fuel poverty, empower tenants, and promote sustainable energy use.
Why have I been invited?
You have been invited because your experience with RTEF technology can offer valuable insights beyond short-term impacts. After reviewing homeowner stories from Electric Ireland Superhomes, your case was selected to explore the role of RTEF in retrofitted, energy-efficient homes. Your participation will contribute to future research on how RTEF can support fuel-poor households.
Do I have to take part?
No, participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide to take part, you can withdraw at any time without providing a reason. However, if you withdraw after your data has been included in formal research outputs (e.g., a thesis or conference presentation), it may not be possible to remove it. Please contact the research team as soon as possible if you wish to withdraw.
What will happen if I take part?
If you agree to participate, you will receive this information sheet and be asked to sign a consent form. You will then take part in a follow-up interview discussing:
✔️ Your engagement with your energy management system
✔️ Perceived energy savings
✔️ How the system helps manage energy use
What are the benefits of taking part?
While there are no direct benefits, your insights will help PhD student Edgar Gomez and The University of Edinburgh understand how RTEF can reduce energy costs, promote sustainability, and drive social impact.
Are there any risks?
There are no significant risks associated with participating. The study aims to understand your experience with RTEF, with no right or wrong answers.
How will my data be used?
Your data will be kept confidential and stored securely in password-protected files on an encrypted device. It will be handled according to The University of Edinburgh’s Information Handling Policy and the UK/EU GDPR. For more details, visit: data-protection.ed.ac.uk/privacy-notice-research or contact dpo@ed.ac.uk.
What happens with the study results?
Findings may be published in academic journals, reports, and conferences. All data will be anonymized, and any quotes will be used only with your written consent. If you wish to receive a summary of the findings, it will be sent by email or post.
Who is funding and reviewing the research?
This study is conducted by Edgar Gomez (ESALA, The University of Edinburgh) and is not externally funded. It has been reviewed and approved by The University of Edinburgh’s School Ethics Committee.
Who can I contact?
📩 Researcher: Edgar Gomez – s2260431@ed.ac.uk
📩 Independent Contact: Dr. Sepideh Karami – skarami@exseed.ed.ac.uk (Director of ESALA Postgraduate Research Programme)
📩 Complaints: Research Governance Team – cahss.res.ethics@ed.ac.uk
What is the purpose of the study?
This study explores how households engage with real-time energy feedback systems (RTEF), examining both the benefits and challenges of these technologies. It is the first phase of a larger research project that will later involve a housing association. The findings will help identify key opportunities and challenges, shaping future research and strategies for social housing. The goal is to understand how RTEF can reduce fuel poverty, empower tenants, and promote sustainable energy use.
Why have I been invited?
You have been invited because your experience with RTEF technology can offer valuable insights beyond short-term impacts. After reviewing homeowner stories from Electric Ireland Superhomes, your case was selected to explore the role of RTEF in retrofitted, energy-efficient homes. Your participation will contribute to future research on how RTEF can support fuel-poor households.
Do I have to take part?
No, participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide to take part, you can withdraw at any time without providing a reason. However, if you withdraw after your data has been included in formal research outputs (e.g., a thesis or conference presentation), it may not be possible to remove it. Please contact the research team as soon as possible if you wish to withdraw.
What will happen if I take part?
If you agree to participate, you will receive this information sheet and be asked to sign a consent form. You will then take part in a follow-up interview discussing:
✔️ Your engagement with your energy management system
✔️ Perceived energy savings
✔️ How the system helps manage energy use
What are the benefits of taking part?
While there are no direct benefits, your insights will help PhD student Edgar Gomez and The University of Edinburgh understand how RTEF can reduce energy costs, promote sustainability, and drive social impact.
Are there any risks?
There are no significant risks associated with participating. The study aims to understand your experience with RTEF, with no right or wrong answers.
How will my data be used?
Your data will be kept confidential and stored securely in password-protected files on an encrypted device. It will be handled according to The University of Edinburgh’s Information Handling Policy and the UK/EU GDPR. For more details, visit: data-protection.ed.ac.uk/privacy-notice-research or contact dpo@ed.ac.uk.
What happens with the study results?
Findings may be published in academic journals, reports, and conferences. All data will be anonymized, and any quotes will be used only with your written consent. If you wish to receive a summary of the findings, it will be sent by email or post.
Who is funding and reviewing the research?
This study is conducted by Edgar Gomez (ESALA, The University of Edinburgh) and is not externally funded. It has been reviewed and approved by The University of Edinburgh’s School Ethics Committee.
Who can I contact?
📩 Researcher: Edgar Gomez – s2260431@ed.ac.uk
📩 Independent Contact: Dr. Sepideh Karami – skarami@exseed.ed.ac.uk (Director of ESALA Postgraduate Research Programme)
📩 Complaints: Research Governance Team – cahss.res.ethics@ed.ac.uk