Rajat Gupta and Matt Gregg
June 2023
This report used a local area energy mapping approach (LEMAP) to undertake capability assessment of a smart and
fair neighbourhood in Oxford, as part of Project LEO. The capability assessment used technical and socioeconomic
data to identify how likely households are to adopt different low carbon technologies (LCTs) and those who may be
left behind based on socio/technical characteristics. The capability assessment analysed four categories (technical,
digital, financial, and social). Each category was divided into four levels to evaluate and grade each household. A
little over 50% of the dwellings in the area were considered at least partially technically and financially capable of
taking up LCTs; however, several other dwellings needed significant fabric improvement first and were low income.
The most populated category in the neighbourhood was digitally capability (either High-tech users or tech. savvy).
This suggests that householders are more accepting of technological solutions to energy and climate challenges.
Social was however the weakest category; 52% were considered ‘sceptical’. The mapping of these capabilities is
intended to help stakeholders such as community energy project developers, local authorities, and local community
groups to plan for localised smart and fair energy initiatives in neighbourhoods.