So last week, we did something quite impetuous - in the most carefully considered sense of the word! While browsing around on the internet, researching for our 'dream' project, Chris came across a tender opportunity with EnergyAustralia/Sydney Water, for a family with a writer to live for one year in a futuristic 'smart home', in Newington, Sydney (Sydney Olympic Village). We think we could be that family - why not??!
While the house was designed to be energy- and water-efficient when it was built, it will be upgraded and equipped to showcase and test some of the latest technologies - both commercially available or under development. For example, the house will be equipped with: the latest in grid-connected solar power PV; new BlueGen natural gas-based fuel cell technology; gas-boosted solar hot water system; grey water system; 'smart' electricity meters; remotely-controllable appliances; state-of-the-art lighting; pre-cooling heat exchanger; electric vehicle; and more.
The brief? To live in the home and trial the technologies, documenting our experiences as we go. Are we up to the task? Absolutely! Considering that we saw this tender with only one week remaining on the deadline, our decision to participate may be viewed as a bold one: the very idea that we would leave our life and jobs in Sweden for one year may seem to some like a strange decision. But we see this project as an unparalleled opportunity to experience these kinds of technology first-hand, and in doing so to evaluate what we believe will work for us in our future, sustainable, life.
The closing date for receipt of applications was Saturday. We realise that being located in Sweden might be an ever-so-teeny-weeny hindrance to our success. But then again, maybe our situation and our plans make our application more interesting. Who knows?! For now, we can only wait and see. We'll let you know what happens.
J
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