Sustainable Product-Service System Applied to Distributed Renewable Energies

Abstract

We argued in previous chapters that Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) generation is a promising approach towards sustainable energy for All. Aside, we described the Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) model, as promising one towards sustainable development, even in low-and middle-income contexts. In this chapter, we describe the application of the Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) to Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) as a win-win opportunity for the diffusion of sustainable energy, even in low-and middle-income contexts. It is clear that we need to undergo a paradigm shift in the way we produce, supply and use the energy. Indeed, to reach the shift, will by coupling the two models, mean to: shift from centralised and non-renewable energy system to distributed renewable energy systems, in which the user can be the prosumer (consumer + producer) of her/his energy with small generator units nearby or at the point of use sourced by sun, wind and all other forms of renewable energy. Furthermore, in case of energy systems, the shift from individual ownership consumption to Sustainable Product-Service System would entail that: • would be a model where the providers retain the ownership or at least some responsibilities over the life cycle of the small generator unit (of renewable energy) and eventually of the products that use the electricity, i.e. the Energy-Using Products/Equipment (EUP, EUE); • customers pay per use/period, thus reducing/avoiding the (initial) investment cost of the small energy generator unit and eventually of the Energy-Using Products/Equipment;

Product-Service Systems Development for Sustainability. A New Understanding

“…More recently, S.PSS has been demonstrated [32,36] to be a clearly promising offer model to extend the access to good and services even to low-and middle-income contexts, thus enhancing social equity and cohesion as well. Finally, it is a win-win offer model combining the three dimensions of sustainability, the economic with the environmental and the socio-ethical.…”

“…Finally, it is a win-win offer model combining the three dimensions of sustainability, the economic with the environmental and the socio-ethical. An S.PSS can be defined as follows [36]:…”

The Service Value Method for Design of Energy Access Systems in the Global South

“…Research on the application of S.PSS to distributed renewable energy (DRE) has noted that combining S.PSS and DRE is a 'win-win' approach to addressing the energy access challenge because of economic, environmental, and socioethical benefits [37], [39]. For example: low-income users might be able to access services a traditional product supply model would prohibit due to the expense of the equipment, and producers are incentivized to minimize resource use, producing a capital-efficient system, the lower costs for which are passed on to the customer.…”

“…For example: low-income users might be able to access services a traditional product supply model would prohibit due to the expense of the equipment, and producers are incentivized to minimize resource use, producing a capital-efficient system, the lower costs for which are passed on to the customer. In addition, a new design approach called 'sustainable design for sustainable energy for all' details the design process of S.PSS DRE systems [39]. There are a number of tools within the methodology that guide designers to consider all aspects of S.PSS when developing an S.PSS energy system, from training services to payment mechanisms, using templates, prompting cards, and other processes.…”

Sementes Urbanas: aprendizados em um Laboratório de Design para inovação social

“…Partindo de um conceito ampliado, podemos entender o Design para Sustentabilidade como o campo da disciplina do design que busca atender as necessidades do desenvolvimento sustentável por meio da prática, ensino e pesquisa (Vezzoli et al, 2018). Esse campo de atuação passou ao longo de sua existência por uma evolução na abordagem e, se inicialmente focou-se em aspectos da sustentabilidade mais ligados a natureza dos produtos -Ecodesign, Biomimética, Cradle to Cradle, etc -, hoje lida com questões como o papel e participação dos usuários, comunidades e atores que compõem os sistemas sociais complexos -Sistema Produto Serviço, Design para Inovação Social, Design para Transição, etc.…”