Design for Collectives — Mini Episode: People Power and the Future of Energy Flexibility

In this mini episode of Design for Collectives, Sonja Oliveira, Associate Dean and Professor in Architecture and Sustainability Design Innovation at the University of Strathclyde, brings the series together to explore why people and relationships are the real drivers of energy flexibility.Reflecting on the journey so far, this episode revisits the core ideas behind flexible energy use, the contrast between proactive and reactive energy managers, the limits of top-down policy, and the powerful role of social identity in shaping behaviour.Across neighbourhoods in Bristol and Glasgow, research shows that when people feel connected to their communities, they are far more likely to adapt their energy use, support others, and act collectively. Energy flexibility becomes not just a technical solution, but a shared social practice.The message is clear: building a resilient, fair, and sustainable energy system means designing with communities, not just for them.Because when people feel connected to each other and to a shared purpose, energy flexibility becomes a collective achievement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.