Title: The all-electric house: past and future

Authors: Brenda Vale, Robert Vale

Addresses: School of Architecture, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. ' School of Architecture, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract: It is possible today, to construct a house of comparable cost to a conventional one that will gain all of its energy from renewable energy sources. However, there are very few examples of such houses. This paper argues that the slow take up of these ideas has a parallel with the development and spread of electricity in the UK at the start of the 20th century. It also suggests actions that should be taken now that would mirror the successful original efforts of those promoting electricity for use in the home.

Keywords: all-electric house; electricity; renewable energy; sustainable house; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSD.2005.008889

International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2005 Vol.8 No.3, pp.173 - 188

Published online: 02 Feb 2006 *

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