The realisation of environmental revolutionary homes can reduce heating bills from 200 Euro to 50 Euro as these houses use up to 70% less energy than conventional ones. Optimistic results that encourage European research projects like SHE (Sustainable Housing in Europe) and SUME (Sustainable Urban Metabolism for Europe) to design advanced models for future homes and cities.
In Aarhus, Denmark, 50 people are living in revolutionary homes that use energy in a new way. SHE Coordinator Palle Jorgensen said: “It is quite simple. It is very, very simple to save energy. We know how to do it. We can see here nearly 100 percent renewable materials, 90 percent of the houses are made from wood.” This experience led to a cooperation with local policies in order to design a next step of ecological living: the new tram light-rail system that offers the opportunity of modern public citizen transport.
In Vienna, Austria, the SUME project is creating a city for the future taking into account all environmental aspects such as CO2 emissions, climate change and land-use. The project comprises of three approaches: transportation planning, energy efficiency of buildings, and the design of quality architecture. Researchers are looking for solutions to combine all three aspects.
When it comes to the preservation of the environment, housing and city living are key factors of European research. Therefore, numerous cooperations across Europe work hand in hand in order to improve research results and to design concepts of living for the future.