Czech Participation in Ukraine’s Reconstruction: Risks, Scenarios and Opportunities in the Housing Sector

This article addresses the urgent issue of investment in Ukraine’s real estate market. It proposes the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for the collection, processing, and continuous updating of real estate data. The relevance of the study lies in the application of geodatabases for analyzing large volumes of property-related information. The research focuses on the residential real estate market in Ukraine, with particular attention to state mortgage programs. The main objective is to develop a stakeholder action sequence for real estate investment through mortgage financing and to study the dynamics of property value changes across Ukraine. The study employs general scientific methods of systems analysis and geostatistical techniques to transform data from discrete to continuous forms for large-scale analysis. The research aims to conduct a GIS-based study of the real estate market across all regions of Ukraine over the past four years. It analyzes the dynamics of apartment prices in the housing sector and visualizes the relationship between stakeholder profit and mortgage term within the framework of the “YeOselya” state mortgage program. Special attention is given to the formation of stakeholder profit through mortgage schemes by leveraging the difference between rental income and mortgage payments. The analysis reveals that key economic indicators – such as core inflation index, Hryvnia depreciation against the US dollar, and the growth of minimum wages in Ukraine – significantly affect overall profitability. The authors propose a sequence of stakeholder actions for identifying investment opportunities, whether via mortgage financing or personal funds, aimed at maximizing returns. The study concludes with an assessment of the relationship between profit and payback period under various economic conditions and presents several investment scenarios in the real estate sector, including those supported by the «YeOselya» program.

This paper presents the key development measures for boosting economic growth in Montenegro in the future with a focus on the main goals of the construction and housing sector and proposed measures for their implementation - in order to improve the competitiveness of the construction sector.

PurposeThis study aims to understand the domino effect on housing and construction sector along the economic dimensions in light of COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe view point in this paper is written based on the domino effect of various sectors in India. Starting from the macro-economic events through to the micro-economic events, the changes are discussed along the platform of COVID-19. Early literature to support the discussions and a wide range of periodicals to observe the current events are used in arriving at a hypothesis.FindingsThe impact in any sector does not happen because of a sole event rather it is consequence of changes and trends that took place in multiple sectors. This paper identifies such changes in the sectors of oil industry, cement manufacturing, housing and construction sector during COVID-19. The paper concludes on confirming the hypothesis with two opinions. One by accepting the principle of domino effect that construction domain had various impacts by other sectors at different levels during pandemic. Another on considering the level of impact, the sector has withstood the impacts in various manners and is growing in extensive directions proving the sector to be resilient.Originality/valueThe paper showcases the impacts of various sectors on construction domain with an insight of most recent trends supported by early literature. The linking of elements is the significance of the paper.

Purpose This paper aims to discuss how to apply the evolutionary resilience theory in the housing sector, aiming to develop an alternative resilience framework for planning social housing programmes. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature review, it was developed a theoretical framework for building evolutionary resilience. Based on this framework, the outline for the empirical research was specified through interviews with 21 multidisciplinary experts. The statements of these experts were examined through content analysis, as a means to assign a set of requirements for resilient buildings. Findings The analysis showed that the holistic framework based on evolutionary resilience could constitute a comprehensive and innovative resilience approach. The main contribution of the set of requirements was to adapt theoretical concepts by proposing operational surrogates, enabling such knowledge to be more applicable to devising resilience to the housing sector. Originality/value Resilience is establishing itself as one of the top agendas on the built environment. The construction sector, however, has yet to embrace the concept and little research has been conducted on a practical approach to assess the building’s resilience. This paper presents a list of practical requirements showing that the housing sector must to build differently to have a resilient future.

PurposeThis study aims to address the gap by empirically exploring how residential construction-production progress, which includes project commencement, under-construction and project completion, responds dynamically to fluctuations in house prices.Design/methodology/approachA vector autoregressive model and an impulse response function are applied to simulate and analyse the circle of the stage-responsiveness of residential construction to residential property price dynamics in the state of Victoria, Australia. The quarterly numbers of dwelling units commenced, under-construction and completed are used as the proxy for the residential construction activities at three stages over the construction progress.FindingsThe analysis indicates that the dynamics are essentially transmitted throughout the construction process and can substantially impact the pace of production progress. The findings from this study provide an empirical base that should be useful in developing price-elasticity and production theories applicable to the context of residential property construction.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings described above have been generated basically by examining the case of Victoria, Australia at a macro level. The generalisation of the research output needs to be verified further by future researchers using data collected from other regions/countries. Nevertheless, the reliability of the conclusions with particular practical implications can be substantially improved by future researchers by analysing more markets and production proxies at the activity level.Practical implicationsBased on new empirical findings, this research argues that building activity (i.e. under construction) played as a gateway between the construction and housing sectors, via which the inter-responsiveness of the housing supply in terms of construction activities and housing prices are transmitted.Originality/valueThis research firstly attempts to explore the inter-responsiveness between the real estate and construction sectors. A simulated circle of the stage-responsiveness of residential construction to residential property price dynamics is proposed, which can serve as a significant foundation for developing the theory of construction production.

The practical experience of European countries on use and dissemination of Smart technologies in construction were studied, which shows that to change difficult situation in the construction sector of the economy it is necessary to: firstly, actively use Smart technologies in construction; secondly, gradually reduce energy consumption in the construction and housing sectors through mass construction of energy-efficient buildings and structures; thirdly, to reconstruct the already built ones. It was established that the introduction of Smart Home system is becoming more and more relevant, which allows to make everyday life more convenient: saves energy (automatic switching off of the light); saves money (automatic switching off of heating as soon as windows open); provides the best protection for the house (automatically gives an audible alarm when the intruder enters, and warns residents by sending push messages to their smartphones). Certain advantages from the use of Smart technologies in construction were described. The characteristic of the software for architectural and construction design and preparation of construction documentation was given in the article. Systems for monitoring of architectural and construction projects and planning of construction works, design of building constructions of building’s engineering systems, automated design of general purpose were analyzed by authors. Architectural and construction applications for AutoCAD and applications for design and calculation of plumbing systems were described. The characteristics of programs for calculation of building structures, design and calculations of pipelines, heat exchangers, geotechnical calculations, design of infrastructure objects were given in the article.

As global and local visions for sustainable living environments are increasingly supported by policies and concrete practices in construction, the building and housing sector is seeking to mitigate its environmental impact as well as assume a greater social responsibility. The overarching policy objectives set to concretize what a sustainable housing development entails, however, tend to rely on equivocal terminology, allowing a varied interpretation by key industry practitioners. Though in line with an ecological modernization paradigm in policy, the promotion of a market-driven environmentalism in housing faces multiple challenges as varying interests and perspectives collide. Supported by empirical findings of a semi-structured interview study conducted with housing developers in a new ‘green’ urban district in Göteborg, Sweden, theoretical frameworks surrounding the paradoxical path towards a sustainable housing development are presented. Inconsistencies between outspoken ambitions; social dimensions; and the framing of efficiency in new housing are discussed. Possibilities for the housing sector are given in the recognition of new forms of development, where a systemic perspective is required in the alignment between how industry, policy and the market perceives housing development and what is actually sustainable.

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the institutional framework for public investment in Ukraine as a key instrument of state economic policy aimed at stimulating economic growth, modernizing infrastructure, and improving the quality of life of the population. It analyzes the current regulatory framework, organizational mechanisms, and institutional structures that shape the environment for the implementation of state investment programs at the central and regional levels. The research considers the main functions of public investment management, in particular: planning (defining strategic goals, forming investment priorities, developing state and regional development programs), organization (creating and coordinating the work of institutions responsible for project implementation), motivation (providing incentives for the effective participation of all stakeholders, including private partners), control (systematic monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of investment resources, auditing), and regulation (adjusting policies and projects to reflect changes in the external and internal environment). Key problems affecting the effectiveness of the institutional mechanism are identified, in particular the fragmentation and instability of the legislative framework, the lack of a unified strategic approach, insufficient coordination between central and local authorities, the low level of integration of management decisions, and the limited nature of modern tools for monitoring and evaluating the results of investment activities. Particular attention is paid to the study and generalization of European practices of public investment management. The possibilities of adapting these practices to Ukrainian conditions, taking into account the specifics of the economic and legal environment, are analyzed. The article suggests directions for improving the institutional framework for public investment in Ukraine, which provide for the harmonization of national legislation with EU standards, strengthening the institutional capacity of authorities, introducing uniform standards for investment project management, expanding the use of public-private partnerships, increasing the transparency of procedures, and strengthening the role of strategic planning at all levels of management. The results of the research can be used in the process of forming and implementing public investment policy, developing socio-economic development programs, improving mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of public investments, as well as in scientific and analytical activities to develop recommendations for achieving sustainable development goals in Ukraine.

Introduction. The unwanted slowdown of the housing construction process, triggered by the coronavirus crisis, does not cancel the tasks set by the national project “Housing and the Urban Environment”. The practical analysis of the housing sector has confirmed that the economic recovery of the housing construction industry cannot be regarded as an outcome of inconsistent measures. The novelty of the approach lies in the identification of the most problematic development hurdles and their comprehensive overcoming in the context of digital transformation of residential development projects, which contributes to effective demand, optimizes the distribution of risk between construction work participants and expands the use of preventive mechanisms for the out-of-court settlement of commercial disputes arising in the construction sector. Materials and methods. A quick analysis of the current situation in the housing sector, including the one in the regions, has identified the most important factors hindering the growth of business activities in this industry. Methods of systems analysis, adjusted in terms of time and space, made it possible to apply situational analysis tools to the housing construction sector. Results. A repeated discussion of the reasons for the contraction of housing construction which is underway on discussion platforms of the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation, NOSTROY, RANEPA, MGSU, etc. has revealed that the comprehensive implementation of aggregated effects that accompany the transition to project funding is impossible without the implementation of the principle of “risk symmetry”, effective demand support, prevention of conflicts of interests between construction participants and the practical implementation of the potential of digital transformation of investment and construction processes in the project format at all stages of the life cycle of a construction project. Conclusions. The nurture of a qualitatively new digital environment in the housing sector will change not only its planning, controlling and expert functions, but also the evaluation and communication mechanisms, as it contributes to reduction of transaction and operational costs, boosts the efficiency and objectivity of construction control, increases trust and partnership solidarity, narrows the scope of litigation and reduces the number of bankruptcies, etc., thus, setting the stage for an accelerated recovery and growth of the housing construction.

It is determined that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has attracted considerable attention from the whole world to our country. The escalation of geopolitical conflicts leads to increased confrontation between countries, significantly affecting international relations and the geopolitical situation and causing changes in the global economy. This has severe implications for the global economic balance, international trade, investment, and the overall stability of different regions. Ukraine is experiencing massive migration, both internal and external. In addition, severe damage has been done to critical infrastructure, the housing sector, the economy, the environment, and the social sphere. The loss of territories hurts the regions' social, economic, and environmental development. Regions previously characterized by sustainable development are now experiencing negative consequences of the hostilities. As a result, regions are forced to adapt to new realities, giving preference to flexibility and resilience. The research is devoted to the study and analysis of the problems of assessing the sustainable development of regions, including economic, environmental, and social aspects. Improved methodological approaches and algorithms for determining the level of sustainable development and assessing its impact in the context of war and post-war recovery are proposed. This methodology aims to ensure a comprehensive and objective assessment of the sustainability of regional development, which is an essential prerequisite for effective management and strategic decision-making in an uncertain environment. The study aims to analyze various methodological approaches to assessing the sustainable development of regions in the context of military conflict and post-war reconstruction. The task of the study is to improve methods and algorithms for an objective assessment of the level of sustainable development of regions, which includes an analysis of various aspects of development to ensure a balance between current needs and the needs of future generations. By analyzing different methodological approaches and considering their effectiveness, the author identifies their potential shortcomings and advantages and proposes improvements to these methods to develop targeted management strategies, which will help to choose the best approaches for the post-war recovery of Ukraine's regions in the future. The author has developed his evaluation algorithm aimed at using improved and innovative methods under martial law. The formulas for economic, environmental, and social indices have been improved, which will allow for better consideration of the specifics of military influence at the regional level. Keywords: sustainable development, geopolitical situation, war, methodological approaches, methodology, algorithm, assessment of sustainable development of regions, assessment of the impact of war, post-war recovery, recovery strategies.

The cost of sustainability in the construction sector – The case of family houses in Belgium

Introduction. The problem of the life cycle-based assessment of cities (LC), involving systems of indicators for a smart sustainable city, is relevant. The objectives of the study include the review and analysis of existing LC-based methods in construction, housing and utilities sector (HUS), the review and analysis of systems of indicators, evaluation frameworks, benchmarking systems that exist both in the format of standards and are proposed as research developments, the review of the software used for the assessment of the LC of facilities in construction and HUS, the review of open-access databases for the LC assessment of construction and HUS, drafting a thematic plan for the training course “Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Cities”. Materials and methods. Research articles in indexed journals, standards, guidelines, and specifications were used. The search was performed using the following databases: eLIBRARY.RU, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ISI Web of Knowledge, researchgate.net, standards.ru, iso.org, shop.bsigroup.com. The key words, used to search for the information, include life cycle assessment (LCA), smart sustainable cities, city assessment, sustainability assessment, environmental assessment, environmental impact, sustainability indicators, construction, housing and utilities sector (HUS). Results. A sample thematic plan for the training course titled “The life cycle assessment of sustainable cities” was developed on the basis of the analysis of the sources and the systematization of the information thus obtained. Conclusions. The research and its results show that the problem of LC-based assessment of cities, involving the use of indicator systems for smart sustainable cities, has many solutions. The goal, which was to accumulate, analyze and use the information in the training course, has been achieved. Of particular practical interest are the LCA software tools available in construction and HUS. Of great importance for the LCA are open-access databases focused on construction and HUS.

The annual hurricane related losses to Caribbean residential buildings in the past two decades highlight the societal and socioeconomic vulnerability of these islands. Despite considerable hurricane disaster mitigation activity in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the housing sector in particular remains at an elevated risk for damage. Improving the structural resiliency of homes has been largely ineffective, as was illustrated by damage to most of the Grenadian housing stock from Hurricane Ivan in 2004. While international and regional interventions have provided emergency postdisaster aid, sustained efforts to improve design and construction practices and foster sustainable mitigation activity are lacking, with the limited projects not gaining much traction in the construction sector. This paper provides an exploratory framework of the issues surrounding wind damage mitigation and the construction of residential structures to improve overall hurricane resilience in the CARICOM states. It synthesizes 35 years of research findings about Caribbean hazard mitigation initiatives, many of which are not available to researchers in other geographic settings. The uniqueness of the Caribbean housing stock, the importance of small-scale economies, the existing socioeconomic constraints, and the effectiveness of regional and international residential construction mitigation strategies are also evaluated. Finally, the paper identifies and prioritizes critical avenues of future research to improve the resiliency of the CARICOM residential building stock.

Timber consumption is a complex discussion for the industry, in part because the issue has been marked by doubts about lineage and origin. This paper aimed to identify challenges related to species, origins and wood use in the Brazilian construction sector. Searches on corporate websites and face-to-face interviews were used to identify involvement by species and origin in the domestic production of timber for housing. Relevant results were obtained for both methods since their margins of error were low. Forty exotic and nine native species were revealed to contribute significantly to the construction sector. 'Grapia' and 'Angelim pedra' native woods and eight eucalypt and pine species were shown to be the most popular through both methodologies. Pine timber was found to be in greater demand than that of Eucalyptus species. Despite some lack of clarity relating to the origin of certain species, the sector's status was better than expected. However, it still requires assertive actions to increase the use of legalized wood in order to favour product certification and integration into foreign markets.

Urbanization in Tirana, like in many rapidly growing cities, poses significant environmental sustainability challenges – particularly within the construction sector. This study conducts a cradleto-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a representative residential building to quantify its energy use, material flows, environmental impacts, and external (eco-)costs throughout its life cycle. The analysis reveals that the production phase – dominated by materials like concrete, cement, and bricks – accounts for the majority of the impact, contributing €146.95 per m², or approximately 89% of total eco-costs. The operation phase, including energy and water consumption, adds €6.19 per m², while the end-of-life stage, particularly landfilling of inert waste, contributes €11.99 per m². In total, the life cycle eco-cost amounts to €165.12 per m² of gross floor area, representing approximately 13% of the direct purchase cost (€1275/m²). These findings highlight the critical environmental burden of current urbanization patterns, emphasizing the need for circular construction practices, energy-efficient building design, and adaptive reuse strategies in Tirana’s housing sector. By quantifying environmental externalities in monetary terms, the study supports data-driven policy interventions aligned with Albania’s sustainability goals and the broader transition to resilient, low-impact urban development in the Western Balkans. Keywords Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), eco-costs, urbanization, residential construction, Tirana