Is eco-living more sustainable than conventional living? Comparing sustainability performances between two townships in Southern Sweden

Ecological footprint (EF) analysis was used to determine whether so-called eco-living in Sweden differs from conventional living. The study involved two elements: (1) Calculations of material and energy needs for constructing an eco-house in Toarp and a standard house in Oxie, southern Sweden; and (2) EF analysis of consumption patterns in households from Toarp and Oxie. A difference of only 10% was observed in the comparison of the building materials between the two houses. Building materials represent less than 5% of the annual EF in Toarp and Oxie. There was no significant difference in the EF between the two towns. The average annual EFs are 2.8 ha per person and 3.7 ha per person in Toarp and Oxie, respectively. Food consumption and energy consumption for housing (space heating and electricity use) are the largest contributors to the EF in Toarp and Oxie. These factors are almost equal in size and constitute 75% of the total EF in both Toarp and Oxie.