Chris Preist

Reader in Sustainability and Computer Systems"

Introduction

He is Principal Investigator on the  EPSRC funded SYMPACT project, working closely with Guardian News and Media to investigate the environmental impact of their digital transformation, with particular reference to changes in business models and customer behaviour. Prior to joining Bristol, he has been Principal Scientist and Head of UK research on sustainable IT systems at Hewlett Packard Labs (HP Labs), Bristol. In this role, he led a team of 6 researchers who carried out research assessing the sustainability impacts of alternative business models for the personal computer and digital printing industry, and information management and presentation of sustainability data to enhance decision making. Prior to this, Chris was the lead architect and coordinator of the EU FP5 semantic web-enabled web services project, responsible for coordinating a team of over 20 researchers in 8 organisations across Europe. He has also conducted research in experimental economics and agent-based electronic commerce. His work in the application of artificial intelligence techniques to automated diagnosis led to the deployment of several systems within HP manufacturing facilities and the development of an award winning product (Agilent Fault Detective). In addition to research and technical leadership,  Chris has completed an MSc at the Centre for Action Research in Professional Practice, using action research and narrative inquiry techniques to explore alternative sustainability paradigms in a corporate culture. Chris has conducted a low carbon refit of his home resulting in it being one of the first in Bristol to achieve ‘Old Home Super Home’ status, is a homeowner volunteer with Bristol Green Doors, and has written blog articles on domestic environmental technologies on the Refit West and Great British Refurb websites. Chris also blogs on the subject of Sustainability and IT on the Guardian Sustainable Business site.