Multiplayer game for decision-making in energy communities

Main Article Content

Vita Brakovska
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4712-1224
Ruta Vanaga
Girts Bohvalovs
Leonora Fila
Andra Blumberga

Abstract

Energy communities are widely studied from various perspectives, especially in the context of geopolitical events of recent years, when humanity is faced with the need for urgent solutions to promote climate change and alleviate the crisis of energy resources. Although citizens' interest in the use of renewable resources has gradually grown, energy policy support measures for more active participation of society in the implementation of energy efficiency measures are still being implemented with variable success, especially through mutual agreement. Serious games are a rapidly growing tool for awareness and collaboration on a single platform for gamers seeking solutions to energy resource optimization issues. The paper focuses on energy community versus energy use practices, trends, and intervention strategies in multifamily residential blocks, using serious gaming and direct user online feedback. This study uses a multi-player simulation tool to enable the modelling of scenarios for energy efficiency measures for apartment building block residents and energy community target goals for decision-making decisions. User experience and game mechanics were tested on a pre-selected group. The results indicate positive feedback, including a practical application for both energy community and professionals, and provide valuable recommendations for further research and improvement of the tool.

Article Details

How to Cite
Brakovska, V., Vanaga, R., Bohvalovs, G., Fila, L., & Blumberga, A. (2023). Multiplayer game for decision-making in energy communities. International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management, 38. https://doi.org/10.54337/ijsepm.7549
Section
Articles
Author Biography

Vita Brakovska, Riga Technical University

  • Head of Knowledge Angel at non-profit organisation „Knowledge and Innovation Society” 
  • Member of Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia (sua.lv) since 2016 and already before has been active lecturer on SE topic in various training seminars and conferences as well as competence partner in the Social Entrepreneurship Ambassadors Network.
  • Owner of wooded ironing board production company Wood Design Workshop 

 

Vita is experienced mentor for creative business start ups and since 2009 known as facilitator of own-created “Creative Sandboxes” in Baltics (1100+ trainings so far). Her expertise is highly evaluated by both public and private institutions including State Chancellery, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Interior Affairs, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, national ICT company Lattelecom, leading commercial banks, Soros Foundation – Latvia, industrial clusters and business incubators, municipalities and HEI in Latvia and many more. During employment in the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Vita has worked with innovation agencies in Northern Europe countries

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