Carlo Vezzoli

This open access book addresses the issue of diffusing sustainable energy access inlow- and middle-income contexts. Access to energy is one of the greatest challenges for many people living in low-income and developing contexts, as around 1.4 billion people lack access to electricity. Distributed Renewable Energy systems (DRE) are considered a promising approachto address this challenge and provide energy access to all. However, even if promising,the implementation of DRE systems is not always straightforward. The book analyses, discusses and classifies the promising Sustainable Product-ServiceSystem (S. PSS) business models to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems in aneffective, efficient and sustainable way. Its message is supported with cases studies andexamples, discussing the economic, environmental and socioethical benefits as wellas its limitations and barriers to its implementation. An innovative design approach isproposed and a set of design tools are supplied, enabling readers to create and developSustainable Product-Service System (S. PSS) solutions to deliver Distributed RenewableEnergy systems. Practical applications of the book’s design approach and tools by companies andpractitioners are discussed and the book will be of interest to readers in design, industry,governmental institutions, NGOs as well as researchers.

This open access book addresses the issue of diffusing sustainable energy access inlow- and middle-income contexts. Access to energy is one of the greatest challenges for many people living in low-income and developing contexts, as around 1.4 billion people lack access to electricity. Distributed Renewable Energy systems (DRE) are considered a promising approachto address this challenge and provide energy access to all. However, even if promising,the implementation of DRE systems is not always straightforward. The book analyses, discusses and classifies the promising Sustainable Product-ServiceSystem (S. PSS) business models to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems in aneffective, efficient and sustainable way. Its message is supported with cases studies andexamples, discussing the economic, environmental and socioethical benefits as wellas its limitations and barriers to its implementation. An innovative design approach isproposed and a set of design tools are supplied, enabling readers to create and developSustainable Product-Service System (S. PSS) solutions to deliver Distributed RenewableEnergy systems. Practical applications of the book’s design approach and tools by companies andpractitioners are discussed and the book will be of interest to readers in design, industry,governmental institutions, NGOs as well as researchers.

This book, based on a huge European and Asian research project, is a state-of-the-art examination of the theory and practice of system innovation through Product-Service System (PSS) design for sustainability from a trans-cultural viewpoint. PSS design incorporates innovative strategies that shift businesses away from simply designing and selling physical products to developing integrated systems of products and services that satisfy human needs. The book provides background, advice and tools for designers interested in sustainable PSSs and has a wealth of case studies for practitioners to digest.