The global population will reach 10 billion by 2050, with seven billion expected to live in cities. Living sustainably is one of the greatest challenges facing city dwellers, authorities and politicians today. As buildings account for 40% of all energy consumption in Europe, they can play an important role in reducing the world’s energy consumption.
In 2009, the VELUX Group initiated the ‘Model Home 2020’ project to show that it is possible to build sustainable buildings for the future – today. Six full-scale demonstration buildings were set up in Europe by 2011. And today, we have more than 20 demonstration buildings around the world, where people live, work, and go to school – proving that energy efficiency and quality of life can go hand in hand.