The aim of this PhD is to research and develop strategies that integrate the needs of both people and the environment in sustainable housing. The student intends to investigate the opportunities to make the eco self-build community approach a mainstream solution for housing in the UK, working with and building on the existing success of Bright Green Futures (www.brightgreenfutures.co.uk/). The student will:
* Investigate technology, design and lifestyle solutions to identify an optimal balance between sustainability objectives and financial and social considerations for eco self-build communities. This includes a review of new clean and low carbon technology solutions.
* Compare eco self-build communities to conventional developments as an alternative solution to mainstream housing. A key part of this is to review the technology and lifestyle choices made and their impact on sustainability.
* Review the different stakeholders involved and what each stakeholder could and would need to do to make the eco self-build community approach a mainstream solution.
* Engage with relevant policy makers to identify the support mechanisms that could be implemented to promote eco self-build communities.
* Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these support mechanisms, accounting for both the engineering and socio-economic constraints.