Lancaster West Low Carbon Community Project (2025-2030): Leveraging AI & Circular Economy for a Sustainable Energy Transition

The project will focus on three key workstreams: community capacity building, training and employment, and research. Community capacity building will involve developing a community embedded energy advice service which supports residents to use the new renewable technologies in their homes and to reduce their energy use. A qualified in-house energy advisor will train local residents in energy saving measures through a ‘train the trainer’ model which will then lead to a paid part-time position as an energy advice volunteer within the project, helping residents to reduce their energy usage while improving their home comfort and reducing their risk of fuel poverty. These volunteers will co-run community educational events and workshops, alongside our energy advisor and local partners, in local schools and for communities that are joining the renewable energy systems. Our advisor will also support the volunteers to look for paid jobs and opportunities through local SMEs and contractors working on the estate-wide refurbishment. them develop and oversee this project. Alongside this in-house training, local residents will be offered training through local organisations to gain qualifications in green skills and support them into employment. Courses will be offered in multiple languages to better support those who have previously been unable to engage in climate action due to language barriers. Brunel Team will conduct a research project throughout to monitor progress, provide improvements year on year, and assess the project’s impact.

People

	Name	Telephone	Email	Office
	Dr Weifeng Chen Reader (Principal investigator) T: +44 (0)1895 265302 E: weifeng.chen@brunel.ac.uk	+44 (0)1895 265302	weifeng.chen@brunel.ac.uk	Eastern Gateway 202q