Coordinator:
Martin O'CONNOR

V GAS Explorer

The primary objective of the V GAS "what if" Explorer is to enable users to explore actions that can be undertaken by the individual - that is, to explore choices that depend upon individual decisions - and to investigate whether these actions lead to a reduction of greenhouse gases, looking also into trade-offs with other aspects of lifestyle.

The house's typology corresponds to the virtual world defined through the V GAS Build Profile. So, this time the user may imagine another day of his/her life, changing objects, changing usage of objects in order to explore another 'lifestyle scenario'. The options available are for instance, the change of (i.e. investment in new) appliances or heating systems; the time spent on tasks; exploring alternatives to perform the same tasks that do not imply the consumption of electricity, etc. Emission comparisons with those gathered through the V GAS Build Profile are visualised in real time, so that immediate impacts of changes can be further explored. Additionally, the user is given other types of information, namely other indicators that describe the impacts of the choices made (e.g. personal comfort, costs, etc.).

The main goal of this feature is empowerment and self-reflection about connections of lifestyles and global issues, in particular climate change, through the exploration of alternative lifestyles Scenarios.