As a strategic partner in the newly funded project led by SP Electricity North West, Impact Research will explore domestic cooling behaviours across a broad range of consumers, informing the future of low-carbon comfort in homes.
A major step towards the UK’s net zero future has been taken with the launch of a new innovation project focused on reducing the environmental impact of domestic air conditioning. The project has secured £5.5 million in additional funding from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), building on £500k previously awarded for feasibility work under the ‘CoolDown Alpha’ initiative.
As a key project partner, Impact Research will lead on understanding how different types of consumers engage with home cooling, including current space cooling (SC) users, those considering SC, and non-considerers. By exploring attitudes and behaviours across this full spectrum, the project aims to uncover what drives — and inhibits — low-carbon cooling adoption in UK homes.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with SP Electricity North West on this important initiative,” said Darryl Swift, CEO at Impact Research. “Consumer understanding is vital to designing energy systems that work for everyone, balancing sustainability, comfort, and affordability in a rapidly changing climate.”
This phase of the project will generate insight into how cooling needs vary across households, what factors influence decisions, and how innovation can be made inclusive, scalable, and aligned with the realities of modern life.
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Long-Standing Innovation Partner
Impact Research brings more than 14 years of experience supporting Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) with insight-led innovation. The team has delivered consumer research across a wide range of NIA, NIC, and SIF-funded programmes, including:
- QUEST – Quantifying flexibility potential at the local level
- Heatropolis – Enabling local heat decarbonisation pathways
- Smart Street – Optimising low-voltage networks using real-time data
- CLASS – Unlocking demand-side response through voltage control
These projects have helped energy networks develop a deeper understanding of evolving consumer behaviours, from heat pumps and EVs to domestic cooling, ensuring innovation stays aligned with public expectations.
About Impact Research
Impact Research is an insight consultancy specialising in consumer research for regulated industries, with a long-standing focus on energy innovation, low-carbon technologies, and sustainability. Our work helps utility providers and policy-makers understand the real-world needs, preferences, and behaviours that shape the transition to net zero.
For more information, visit: www.impactmr.com