The starting point for this project is the vision of a carbon neutral neighbourhood in Trondheim which combineshigh low energy demand and renewable energy with a social sustainable living environment. Through common efforts from researchers, planners and politicians this vision is set out to be realized in the Brøset area inTrondheim.Even if the will and ambitions are clear, the Brøset project is in a very early phase, and political visions tend to disintegrate on the way towards implementation. The proposed research project therefore aims to support theprocess from the start.Designing carbon neutral housing is not only a matter of technology and energy savings, but also includes lifestyle,housing and travel patterns. It has to provide the foundation for a neighbourhood in which residents can live, work,shop for groceries, go to school, and find meaningful leisure activities. The proposed research therefore combines a better understanding of social processes and lifestyle issues with improved technology, energy supply systems and area planning aiming for carbon-neutrality.The overall goal of this project is to contribute to the realization of carbon neutral settlements in Norway. Thiswill be reached through a holistic approach: Emphasizing the symbiosis between housing quality, lifestyle and technology issues.The development of the Brøset area in Trondheim will serve as a case for the development of models for earlyphase planning processes, concepts for low energy architectural solutions, transport and energy systems,and increased understanding of cultural changes towards carbon neutral settlements. The project also aims tocontribute to changes in attitudes among planners, architects and other actors within the building sector including future home buyers. Even if Brøset is the main case for implementation, the outcomes of the project will provide tools and knowledge relevant for other local projects under development.
