Results from the INTELLIGENT project were presented by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) at the 8th European Conference on Behaviour Change for Energy Efficiency (Behave 2025) on December 11, 2025. During the conference, the paper titled “Flexibility for All? Unpacking Readiness and Equity in Demand Side Management” was presented to a broad research audience. The extended abstract was authored by Lisa Diamond, Helena Strömberg, Giulia Garzon, and Selin Yilmaz. The presentation contributed to discussions on how behavioural insights can support fair and inclusive energy transitions.
The paper explored how ready different groups are to participate in demand-side management and whether current flexibility solutions are accessible to everyone. It highlighted that flexibility is also a social issue, shaped by people’s everyday realities, capacities, and constraints. The research paid special attention to questions of equity, asking who can benefit from flexibility schemes and who risks being left behind. These insights help move the conversation beyond technology towards people-centred energy systems.
Presenting this research at Behave 2025 was an important step for INTELLIGENT, as it aligns closely with the project’s focus on inclusive, user-oriented energy solutions. The presentation also supported dialogue between researchers and practitioners on how to design demand-side solutions that work in real life. Ultimately, this work contributes to building energy systems that support participation, trust, and shared benefits for all.
Read extended abstract here.