The E.ON 2016 house has been custom-constructed, requiring special planning permission, to replicate a typical 1930s semi-detached home. This involved using the construction methods, standards and materials typical of the 1930s.

The computer monitor and tagging receiver system that show energy consumption.

A purpose-built property was chosen, rather than an existing home, to facilitate the installation of sensors in the walls, floor and ceiling of each room which monitor energy use and the environment.

Dr Changhong Zhan, who has been living in the E.ON house with his family, on the university of Nottingham campus. He is photographed with the tags that have been monitoring his and his family's activities in the house.

The location and activities of the occupants are monitored through tracking tags, which use ultra-wide band radio waves to communicate with receivers in each room.

Research student Nina Hormazabal (R) with Dr Mark Gillott in the lab above the E.ON 1930s house on the University of Nottingham campus.

It is now possible to view the whereabouts and energy use of the occupants as moving images on a computer installed in the roof space. This enables a highly detailed personal carbon footprint to be prepared for each project participant.

A ‘plant zone’ to the party wall side of the house contains the monitoring equipment, access to the roof space and simulates the existence of a neighbouring house.