How to reduce the RAM usage by run_kernel in MACBook pro
run_kernel appears to be associated with OpenCL and thus linked to work being performed by the graphics card in your MacBook Pro.

Consider switching between graphics cards and seeing if that helps.

Without more information, it is difficult to assist. A process using 1GB RAM is not in itself likely to be the cause of problems. Your MacBook Pro is likely 64-bit and is designed to work with much larger volumes of memory.

If you are running OS X 10.9 or later, try watching the Activity Monitor's Memory information. Do you see large, gigabyte or more, values for Swap or Compressed memory? What value do you see for Wired Memory?