Research Impact Update: What Have We Achieved So Far?

Date: August 2025

The SEE "Smart Energy Community" research project, led by the Department of Geography and the Asian Energy Studies Centre of Hong Kong Baptist University, has been running since 2022. The project has collaborated with 600 households across four communities in Hong Kong to collect data, exchange knowledge, and foster dialogue through diverse community engagement activities.

With its focus on empowering communities, energy data visualisation, and advancing energy saving and urban solar, the project aligns with Hong Kong's carbon neutrality goal for 2050. Its innovative approach not only highlights the importance of sustainable practices but also sets the foundation for future initiatives to expand its global impact.

With the success achieved in Hong Kong, the project has been extending its reach to Bristol in the UK, while also adding Shenzhen and Seoul as impact communities.

Innovative Research with Real-World Impact

Led by Dr. Daphne Mah, the SEE project is a collaborative effort involving a 20-member international research consortium, guided by our research model of smart energy communities. This multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in big data analytics, energy engineering, energy governance, and citizen engagement to address the complexities of energy sustainability.

Figure 1. Our project’s conceptual model of Smart Energy Communities.

The project adopted a pioneering mixed-method research approach, integrating big data on electricity consumption, solar power generation, and carbon coins with qualitative interviews and participatory tools such as virtual reality solar community envisioning games. These methodologies have allowed the project to combine citizen input with expert knowledge, creating a unique and comprehensive dataset that offers valuable insights for advancing the actionable energy solutions.

Driving Behavioral Change and Measurable Outcomes

The SEE project’s achievements are reflected in its measurable impact on energy consumption and carbon reduction. In Hong Kong, 350 households have installed smart sensors to monitor and optimize their energy use. Among these households:

• 44% successfully reduced their electricity consumption by 10% or more annually, resulting in:

  • 91,399 kWh of electricity saved

  • 60,323 kg of CO2 emissions reduced

Similar positive outcomes have been recorded in Seoul and Bristol, as we rolled out similar research in South Korea and the UK from October 2024 – April 2025. The results showed similar monthly reductions in electricity consumption and carbon emissions, leading to:

• Seoul: a​​ reduction ​​of​​ 749 kWh (​​308 kg CO2e​​)

• Bristol: 1,681 kWh (​​348​​ ​​kg​​ ​​CO2e​​) ​​

In total, the research has led to a ​​reduction of 93,829 kWh of electricity use and carbon reduction of 60,979 kg CO2e between 2022 and 2024​​. This tangible impact demonstrates the project’s ability to foster behavioral change and empower communities to adopt sustainable energy practices.

Empowering Communities and Building Capacity

The SEE project goes beyond reducing energy use; it actively builds capacity within communities. Key accomplishments include:

• 259 certified Junior Energy Scientists and 154 low-carbon women leaders, who are now equipped to lead sustainability efforts in their communities.

• 150+ workshops for schools, women’s groups, NGOs, and local organizations, fostering broader awareness of energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

• Establishment of 8 Energy Hubs across Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Bristol as centers for ongoing community engagement.

• Development of 22 training material kits, including videos, games, and handbooks, ensuring long-term knowledge dissemination.