On 28th of June, the Developing Energy Communities with Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies (DE-CIST) project is launched in Rotterdam. The project led by Dr. Rebecca Moody (EUR) is a consortium including Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Technical University Delft, Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Resilient Delta Initiative, the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics, and the City of Rotterdam. DE-CIST, an ICLEI Action fund 2.0 project supported by ICLEI Europe through 1 million Euro grant funding from Google.org, aims to collect data on individual buildings, combining it with meteorological, air quality, emission, and socio-economic data.
An AI solution will classify neighbourhoods and buildings based on their current energy sustainability and potential, considering citizens’ input. Additionally, the project seeks to engage citizens, communities, researchers, and governments to co-create an equitable energy transition, support citizen-led energy communities, and foster connections between communities, governments, and energy corporations.
The research will not only be of a fundamental nature but will actively involve citizens and stakeholders, empowering them to utilise the project's generated information, fostering community building, and reducing energy inequality.
Dr. Rebecca Moody echoes this project objective saying: Our goal is to develop a comprehensive solution, both technically and socially, that empowers citizens, communities, housing corporations, municipalities, and other stakeholders to efficiently and inclusively build and maintain an energy-sustainable future.
The ICLEI Action FundOpens external, supported by ICLEI Europe and Google.orgOpens external, focuses on promoting data-driven environmental and climate action at the local level. As a member of ICLEI, the City of Rotterdam is actively committed to advancing local sustainability goals.
Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe elaborates on the role of the Action Fund stating that advancing local environmental and climate action requires understanding local realities and needs. He says, “We believe that obtaining actionable insights from diverse data sources is crucial to accelerate the development of innovative projects, enhance environmental quality, and reduce carbon emissions. We are confident that the selected projects will contribute to their cities’ sustainability goals and exemplify the importance of data-driven approaches for informed decision-making.
About the project
TEAM
Coordinator
(Erasmus University)
DR Rebecca Moody
Rebecca Moody is assistant professor at Erasmus University ESSB, her research focusses on the link between the public domain and public policy and big data, algorithmic data and ICT alignment within public organizations. She has coordinated several large research programs in the past, including NWO and KNAW funded as well as FP7 and H2020. She has worked with the municipality of Rotterdam extensively on several research programs in the field of big data, working datadriven, image recognition, transparency of AI and organizational change.
- (Erasmus University)
isis van Rooy
Isis van Rooy is a junior researcher at Erasmus University ESSB. She is a sociologist that turned her interest to sustainability issues. Before arriving at the Erasmus University, she obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology from the university of Amsterdam, with her main area of interest being in cultural sociology. Her methodological research focus is qualitative, such as in-depth interviewing and focus groups.
- (Erasmus University)
Nicolette Stehouwer-den Hollander
- (Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies)
Dr. Alexander Los
Alexander Los (D.Phil. University of Utrecht) is a climatologist and expert in urban environment and climate change. He focuses his research on urban environmental pollution and energy transition by engaging with citizen communities and applying environmental observations as well as climate model data. Alexander’s experience in climate change, air quality and energy transition is built on a consequent combination of modelling and field work in atmospheric photochemistry, radiative closure studies, solar resource forecasting, and cloud-induced effects on the Earth’s climate. After his PhD he pursued his scientific career as a post-doc researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) and as research associate at the University of Technology Delft, The Netherlands. As managing director and as senior scientist in private companies, he developed scientific instruments for climate research and solar energy.
My name is Nicolette Stehouwer-den Hollander and I work as a sr innovation manager at Resilient Delta. Resilient Delta’s mission is to design resilience solutions in the Rotterdam delta for implementation around the globe. Our aim is to develop an integrated approach to address the major societal issues increasingly confronting the Rotterdam region, such as rising sea levels, poverty and inequality, air pollution, population density and major technological changes. I am an experienced commercial
professional with experience in setting up successful innovation projects. I am at my best in complex business environments where new innovations and results are key, such as the DE-CIST project!
- (TU Delft)
Dr. Seyran Khademi
- (TU Delft)
Dr. Charalampos Andriotis
Seyran is a computer scientist and an Assistant Professor at the Design, Data, and Society (DDS) Group at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU Delft. With a passion for harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and data analysis in the field of architectural design. Seyran also serves as the co-director of the AiDAPT (AI for Design, Analysis, and Optimization in Architecture and the Built Environment) lab. In 2020 she was honored to be the research in residence fellow at the Royal Library of the Netherlands working on visual recognition for children’s book collection. In 2017 she was appointed as a postdoctoral researcher at the Computer vision lab working on the ArchiMediaL project, regarding the automatic detection of buildings and architectural elements in visual data focusing on Computer Vision and Deep Learning methods for archival data and street-view imagery. Seyran received her Ph.D. in signal processing and optimization in 2015 from TU Delft. She received her MSc. degree in Signal Processing from the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2010 and her BSc degree in telecommunications from the University of Tabriz in Iran.”
Charalampos Andriotis is an Assistant Professor of AI in Structural Design & Mechanics at TU Delft, Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment. He is co-director of AiDAPT Lab, TU Delft AI Lab for Design, Analysis, and Optimization in the Built Environment. Before joining TU Delft, he was a
Postdoctoral Scholar in the Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Penn State University, where he also received his PhD in 2019. He holds an MSc in Earthquake Engineering, and a 5-year Diploma in Civil Engineering with specialization in Structural Engineering, both from the National
Technical University of Athens. His research focuses on decision-making under uncertainty for design, operation, andmanagement of the built environment, especially as these emerge at the interface of engineering,
mathematics, and data science. Computational and theoretical themes that underpin his research intersect structural mechanics, uncertainty quantification, systems risk; reliability, building engineering, optimization, reinforcement learning, and generative AI. By shaping novel algorithmic
approaches in AI, his efforts converge to the vision of bridging physics-based engineering and data- driven intelligence as a powerful means to enable new paradigms that can meet the complex decision-making challenges posed by our dynamically changing, expanding, and intertwining built world, at large, real-world scales.
- (TU Delft)
Anna Maria Koniari
- (TU Delft)
Dr. Pablo Morato Dominguez
Anna Maria Koniari is a Phd Candidate in the AiDAPT Lab, TU Delft’s AI Lab for Design, Analysis, and Optimization in Architecture & the Built Environment since October 2023. She holds a master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and a MSc in Building Technology from TU Delft. During her studies, she focused on computational methods to enhance conventional design processes and, particularly, her MSc thesis was dedicated to the
development of a customized Topology Optimization formulation for the design of minimum mass cast glass structures under performance and manufacturability constraints. After the completion of her studies, she worked as a junior researcher in the Faculty of Architecture &The Built Environment (TU Delft), while she was also occupied as a parametric architectural designer in the ArchiTech Company. Currently, her Phd research lies on machine learning applications for optimization of
retrofit strategies at scale towards upgrading building’s energy performance.
Pablo is a Postdoctoral Researcher at TU Delft’s AI-Lab for Design, Analysis, and Optimization in Architecture and the Built Environment. His research is centered on advancing decision-making under uncertainty methods and their application to real-world engineering problems. Pablo earned
his PhD from the University of Liege, Belgium, where he developed an algorithmic framework for optimally managing engineering systems, with a particular emphasis on offshore wind farms. Before joining AiDAPT, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Wind Energy division at the Technical University of Denmark. With expertise in uncertainty quantification, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and computer vision, Pablo will contribute to the project by setting up a machine-learning
pipeline that connects features extracted from images, and other building data, to optimal retrofit decisions.
- (Municipality of Rotterdam)
Roland van der Heijden
- (Municipality of Rotterdam)
Sjoerd Braaksma
From origin a city planner Roland always has had a fascination for the (social-)physical city and its past, present and future. Currently we see a whole new reality arising for the city due to the digital transformation. What does this do to this new city? And what kind of images are attached to this? What does this transformation do with the challenges cities are facing? And what is the role of the government in all this? How do we make sure that everybody can come along? Questions Roland tries to answer within the Digital City program of Rotterdam.
In his neuropsychology study, Sjoerd always tried to determine the potential of new technologies such as VR in assessing and treating patients. After finishing his master’s, he went into the field of data science and eventually became a senior data scientist for the municipality of Rotterdam in addition to finishing up an MBA in big data and advanced analytics. With his knowledge of human behavior, data science, and management skills he uses a data-driven approach to make the municipality work better for it’s people and try to understand the drivers behind the complex challenges the municipality faces now, and in the future.
- (Municipality of Rotterdam)
Brenda van Breemen-Olij
Born in Rotterdam, Brenda van Breemen works as innovation process manager and participation advisor for the city of Rotterdam. Currently, she is carrying out various assignments, all at the intersection of innovation, digitalization, and participation. She has been involved in the
municipality's Digital City innovation program. With her years of experience, broad knowledge and down-to-earth approach, she is able to bring people together and connect them within a network. She has a strong affinity for digital technology and its practical applicability for the residents of Rotterdam.
Agenda
Roland van der Heijden
NEWs
- On October 27th the first expertboard was held in which the DE-CIST team received valuable insights of experts on the themes of social inclusion and participation, data analytics, building architecture.
- On June 28 th during the “Rotterdam in the Metaverse” event the DE-CIST project was officially launched with a presentation by Rebecca Moody (Project Coordinator) and Ruud Schuthof (Deputy Regional Director ICLEI).
How can AI technology contribute to a sustainable future? Dr.
Rebecca Moody leads DE-CIST a pioneering research project that
classifies neighborhoods and buildings based on energy
potential, with citizen input at its core.
- Read the whole interview here
Powering Progress: DE-CIST Project Sparks
Inclusive Energy Communities in Rotterdam
- Interview
Our ambitions
Sustainable
energy solutions
Prioritizing
Economies of
scale
Inclusiveness
To measure is to know
BLOG
November 2024
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jaco Nijmeijer to discuss his work
with DE-CIST and the research he conducted as part of his master's thesis. In our
conversation, he shared how he became involved with the institute, the key
findings from his study on AI attitudes🤖 in Rotterdam, and how interdisciplinary
research plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges like climate change.
Jaco also offered valuable insights into the skills they developed and advice for
students looking to contribute to sustainability research.🌱
Here’s a look into his journey and perspectives.
Read our latest updates!
September 2024
🌟 Exciting Progress in the De-Cist Project! 🌟
We had a fantastic meeting last week to discuss the latest advancements in the
DE-CIST project. It was truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and collaboration
among our distinguished team members from Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, TU
Delft, and Resilient Delta Initiative: Rebecca Moody, Isis van Rooy, Dr. Alexander
Los, Anna Maria Koniari, Pablo G. Morato and Gabrielle Van der winden.
While the meeting was initially intended to be purely informative, the energy in
the room was palpable as our scientists eagerly exchanged preliminary findings
and ideas. This level of engagement highlights the importance of regular
meetings to share progress and insights. Discussing the project in such a diverse
setting makes this a true transdisciplinary exercise.
Together, we are pushing boundaries and driving innovation forward! 💡✨
What part of the project are you most proud of?
At this point in time, we haven’t yielded any definitive results. Nonetheless, we are very proud of our highly motivated and dedicated
team members, each coming from diverse backgrounds. What sets our project apart is the integration of various disciplines that
traditionally operate in isolation. Bringing together mathematicians, engineers, climatologists, sociologists, and public administration
scholars is a unique aspect of our endeavor, and we believe it’s the key to our project’s success and makes us quite unique.
How do you involve citizens, communities, researchers, and governments in co-creating solutions for energy sustainability? And how
does the project make sure everyone can use the information to make things fairer?
We’ve already conducted interviews with stakeholders to gather their valuable input, insights, and concerns regarding the project and
their expectations for the tool. At this point, our focus has shifted towards engaging citizens directly. We’re actively reaching out to
residents in the pilot areas of Rotterdam, establishing connections, and involving them in the project. As for ensuring universal access
to the information, that’s a challenge we’re still working to address.
How does the DE-CIST project plan to connect different stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive and efficient approach to building and
maintaining an energy-sustainable future?
Through the organization of focus groups, we’re actively fostering connections and collaboration among stakeholders, citizens, the city
of Rotterdam, and scientists. We aim to harness diverse perspectives and expertise, working collectively towards a future that is
inclusive, equitable, and prosperous for all members of our community.
Powering Progress: DE-CIST Project Sparks Inclusive Energy
Communities in Rotterdam
How can AI technology contribute to a sustainable future? Dr. Rebecca Moody leads
DE-CIST, a pioneering research project that classifies neighborhoods and buildings
based on energy potential, with citizen input at its core. By integrating feedback, the
project seeks to foster inclusive solutions, support grassroots energy initiatives, and
facilitate connections between stakeholders in order to build resilient communities,
reduce energy inequality, and pave the way for a more sustainable future. “Our goal is
to develop a comprehensive solution, both technically and socially, that empowers
citizens, communities, housing corporations, municipalities, and other stakeholders to
efficiently and inclusively build and maintain an energy-sustainable future.”
How does the DE-CIST project use technology to gather different types of information to
help make cities more energy-efficient?
In the DE-CIST project, we integrate a diverse range of data sources, including social
data, environmental indicators, air quality metrics, and building-specific data. By
analyzing this comprehensive dataset, we aim to identify and prioritize energy
efficiency measures. Our approach looks beyond mere energy savings; we also
consider the socio-economic aspect of energy poverty, ensuring that our efforts have a
meaningful impact on those who need it most.
What is De-Cist?
What exactly is the project about?
We are developing a tool that calculates which energy measures are most beneficial for homes in Rotterdam. Not only do we look at
energy consumption and costs, but also at social factors, such as the cohesion in a neighborhood. The goal is to help residents and
policymakers make better choices.
Currently, people have to figure out for themselves what measures they can take, but the amount of information is overwhelming. This
tool filters the relevant data and makes sustainability more accessible.
Why is this project needed?
What problems are you solving with this?
Many people want to become more sustainable, but don't know where to start. There are so many options: insulation, solar panels, heat
pumps ... and then you have subsidies, costs and payback periods. This is almost impossible for an individual to oversee.
In addition, energy poverty plays a big role. Some households have so little budget that they simply turn off the heating in winter. They
are then not officially registered as “energy poor,” but still live in uncomfortable conditions. The tool helps to see at the neighborhood
level which measures really make an impact.
How does the tool work?
What exactly does the tool do and who can use it?
The tool analyzes data on homes, neighborhoods and social conditions and calculates which energy measures are most effective. These
can include insulation, energy-efficient appliances or collective solutions. The tool also provides knowledge equality. At the moment,
not everyone has the same information, which prevents a good response to the energy transition. The tool helps narrow that gap by
making reliable and understandable information accessible to everyone.
Originally the idea was to make an app for residents, but we are now focusing mainly on the municipality. They can use the tool to
make better policies and provide neighborhood-oriented solutions. Eventually, it could also become accessible to housing associations
and individuals.
The power of collaboration
The project is carried out by several institutions. How do you work together?
De-Cist is a collaboration between Erasmus University Rotterdam, TU Delft, the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies
(IHS) and the Municipality of Rotterdam. This is a transdisciplinary project, supported in part by Resilient Delta initiative. Through this
collaboration, we combine engineering, social science and urban development. This ensures that the tool is not only smart, but also
connects to the needs of residents and policy makers.
Comments from residents
You are testing the tool in Rotterdam. How do residents respond?
We are conducting pilots in Kralingse Veer and Schiebroek. What we notice in focus groups is that many people are skeptical about AI.
There is a kind of “AI-anxiety,” partly due to negative experiences with algorithms in government, such as the benefits affair.
But when we explain how this tool works and how it actually helps them, people become more enthusiastic. They like the fact that the
tool filters complicated information and makes it clear. So they can make better decisions without spending hours doing research.
What happens after delivery?
When will the tool be launched and what happens after that?
The plan is to be ready in the summer of 2025. After that, the City of Rotterdam will take over and they will look at how to implement
it. We remain available as researchers for advice, but we remain independent. This is important to maintain objective results.
We also organize reflection focus groups. Once the tool is concrete, we have the residents we talked to earlier look at the system again
and give feedback. That way we know if it really fits their needs.
Lessons and future vision
What have you yourself learned from this collaboration?
A lot! Especially how valuable it is to look outside your own field. I learned how climate models work and how technological
innovations come about. And vice versa, technicians have learned how important social factors are when developing technology.
What do you hope will eventually happen with this project?
My biggest wish is that this tool is used not only in Rotterdam, but also in other cities. Energy poverty is a growing problem, and with
this AI tool we can help reduce it. I hope this will help us achieve a fairer energy transition, where everyone has access to clear and
useful information.
In conclusion
Do you have any tips for other researchers working in a transdisciplinary team?
Really get to know each other! Not only professionally, but also personally. Have dinner together, talk about each other's fields. The
better you understand each other's language, the smoother the collaboration goes. In the beginning, sociologists and engineers really
speak a different “language,” but when you understand each other better, you can come up with innovative solutions together.
Isis van Rooy on De-Cist: Making Data Understandable for the Energy
Transition
Technology and sustainability come together in the De-Cist project. But how do you
ensure that residents and policy makers really benefit from new solutions? Isis van
Rooy, sociologist at De-Cist, investigates how people interact with the energy
transition and how data can be made more understandable. We spoke to her about her
role, the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and the impact of the project.
From sociologist to sustainability expert
Can you tell us a little about yourself? How did you end up at De-Cist?
II am a sociologist and specialize in focus groups and research on vulnerable groups.
When I started at De-Cist, I didn't know anything about AI or technology, but I didn't
need to. My role is to research what residents and other stakeholders need. You can
develop a great technical solution, but if people don't understand or trust it, it won't
be used. That's why I do a lot of interviews in neighborhoods and analyze how people
deal with sustainability and energy poverty.
This project appealed to me because it has an immediate impact. My sister saw the job
posting and said, “This really suits you.” And she was right. I am now responsible for
the social side of the research and work with scientists from different disciplines.
CONTACT
For questions please contact the research coordinator Dr. Rebecca Moody at moody@essb.eur.nl