ABSTRACT
In this chapter we investigate what it might be like to live in a zero carbon home and how it could impact on quality of life. We also discuss how households interact with these new and complex technological systems. Technology alone is unlikely to change the lack of energy awareness and social motivations underlying current energy consumption. Far deeper changes in society will be needed to deliver low carbon (let alone zero carbon) lifestyles amongst those living in zero carbon homes. A change in role for households from energy consumers to ‘energy citizens’ (as defined by Devine-Wright, 2004; Morris, 2001) is explored and ideas for encouraging this shift are developed.
