ALIGN: Aligning Energy Policy with Lived Experience to Deliver Interdisciplinary Solutions to Alleviate Energy Poverty

Project Description

The ALIGN project delves into the intricate relationship between energy, health, and policy in the context of energy poverty. With approximately 29% of Irish households, experiencing energy poverty, ALIGN employs an interdisciplinary approach to grasp the broader social impacts of energy prices. The project simulates energy costs and indoor environmental quality by integrating dynamic building physics, energy models, and behavioural data, assessing the impact on various population subgroups. Advanced data-driven models evaluate energy poverty indicators based on regional and national factors, identifying the most relevant ones for the Irish context. The project thoroughly examines health, economic factors, and policies, determining the economic savings associated with different alleviation strategies.

ALIGN's ultimate goal is to create an innovative interdisciplinary decision-support tool that provides evidence-based solutions for key stakeholders like local authorities, government agencies, and policymakers. ALIGN aims to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy by informing alleviation strategies while ensuring due consideration for energy poverty, decarbonisation, and economic trade-offs.