Sustainable Housing Delivery Research Articles

Factors Influencing the Successful Delivery of Public Housing Progammes in Kebbi State, Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review

The provision of adequate housing is a fundamental human need and is essential for the social and economic well-being of communities. In Nigeria, the government has undertaken various initiatives to tackle housing challenges, particularly for low-income populations. However, Kebbi State continues to encounter significant obstacles in effectively implementing public housing programs due to issues related to funding, planning, and management. This systematic literature review explores the factors affecting the delivery of public housing projects in Kebbi State, evaluating the effectiveness of current housing policies, the roles of stakeholders, and existing housing schemes. Through a thorough analysis of previous projects and policy frameworks, the study identifies key determinants for successful public housing delivery, including collaboration, affordability, sustainability, and effective land use. The findings highlight the necessity for a sustainable housing delivery model that fosters collaboration among government agencies, private developers, and the community, prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and efficient resource allocation. This review aims to provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance public housing initiatives that more effectively meet the housing needs in Kebbi State.

Enabling Industry 4.0 Technologies to Drive Sustainable Housing Delivery across the Housing Supply Value Chain in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Prospects

The Saudi government has launched the Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to increase the home ownership rate to 70% by 2030 by taking the different sustainability goals into consideration. However, several challenges such as rapid urbanization and the gap between housing supply and demand are facing this goal. This study attributes the housing supply gap to KSA’s reductionist approach to the housing supply value chain (HSVC) and proposes adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. The study explores the challenges and prospects of integrating these technologies for sustainable housing delivery across the HSVC. Through action research, data were gathered via random sampling and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24, incorporating a principal component analysis (PCA). The findings from the analysis identify key challenges such as data management infrastructure, construction industry regulations, uncertain housing delivery policies, and resistance to change. Despite these challenges, there is a strong potential for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve sustainable housing delivery. This study offers a blueprint for policymakers and housing industry leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy for adopting 4IR technologies in housing delivery, enhancing collaboration and driving progress towards Saudi Arabia’s sustainable housing goals.

Making a Case for the Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies for Sustainable Housing Delivery in Saudi Arabia

Making a Case for the Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies for Sustainable Housing Delivery in Saudi Arabia

Comparison of mass housing schemes delivery strategies condition in Ilorin, Nigeria toward a sustainable mass housing delivery

In developing nations such as Nigeria, the housing industry lacks appropriate and highquality housing. One of the housing development concepts and shelter delivery systems in practice in developing nations Nigeria inclusive are public, private and public–private. These three delivery strategies involves in mass housing production, although the bulk of these mass housing are not sustainable. This study examines at the conditions of mass housing delivered by the public, public–private, and private sectors in Ilorin, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed for the study and both primary and secondary data were utilised. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to sample 27% of the 4166 households’ population. A set of questionnaire was administered to 1125 household heads, from 895 houses of the Public, 203 of public–private–partnership and 27 of private developers. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics and multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA) to get the variation in housing elements condition based on the three-delivery strategy. According to the study, private had walls with highest percentage of very good (41.0%), good conditions (51.6%), and public had walls with 33.1% very good, 36.6% good conditions. However, 13.0% of PPP wall are in poor condition, and 80.1% of walls are only fair, comparisons of the condition of housing elements in the three strategies revealed that all the parameters of houses were found to have significant differences with p values reported for the comparison were observed to be less than 0.05 confidence level (p < 0.05). The study suggests among others that public–private partnership delivery strategy should be given more attention by the government to ensure good quality delivery and sustainability of mass housing.

Re-Conceptualizing Vertical Subdivision Development for Sustainable, Affordable Housing Delivery

Research on sustainable, affordable housing is evolving. Yet, its conceptual efficacy in light of the changing needs of today’s cities and targeted low-to-middle-income households remains unknown. In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, understanding the conceptual relevance and importance of land use planning tools such as vertical subdivision to the delivery of sustainable housing is tenable. In response to this knowledge gap, this entry inquires, how can the delivery of affordable housing be configured in a manner that leverages the potential of a redefined vertical subdivision development to optimize densities and ensure that housing affordability is sustainable? Here, this entry re-defines vertical subdivision development as a housing planning and design tool that allows for the segregation of air spaces into individual volumetric land parcels that mimic the environmental features of the land-on-ground, such that housing construction within such volumetric spaces is a function of the contextually relevant needs of occupants. This entry demonstrates a paradigm shift from existing housing infrastructure planning models and narratives to one that responds to and addresses all three dimensions of sustainability: economic (sustainable affordability), environmental (sustainable densities), and social (occupant wellness) in the housing infrastructure planning and delivery process.

The risks of private sector investment in affordable housing development: An Afrocentric perspective

The state delivery of affordable and sustainable housing continues to be a complicated challenge in Africa, and there is a need to encourage private sector participation. As a result, this study examines the risks associated with private sector participation in affordable housing and supporting infrastructure investment and the strategies towards mitigating the risks from an Afrocentric perspective. The evidence from a systematic literature review was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel to address the paper’s aim and provide recommendations for developing improved housing and supporting infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review outcomes and the qualitative data from the panel discussion were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that market dynamics, land supply and acquisition constraints, cost of construction materials, unsupportive policies, and technical and financial factors constitute risks to affordable housing in the region. Mitigation strategies include leveraging joint efforts, strengths, and resource bases, increasing access to land and finance for private sector participation, developing a supportive government framework to promote an enabling environment for easy access to land acquisition and development finance, local production of building materials, research and technology adoption. In line with the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 targets and principles, reforms are required across the housing value chain, involving the private sector and community. Application of the study’s recommendations could minimise the risks of affordable housing delivery and enhance private sector participation.

Towards a net-zero carbon economy: A sustainability performance assessment of innovative prefabricated construction methods for affordable housing in Southern Africa

Recently, efforts to mainstream sustainability principles into affordable housing projects through the adoption of modern methods of construction, like innovative prefabricated construction methods (IPCMs), have been observed. However, limited studies have evaluated the sustainability performance of IPCMs deployed to affordable housing projects in Southern Africa, where the delivery of sustainable affordable housing remains a regional imperative. This study bridges this gap by assessing the sustainability performance and index scores of six IPCM variants implemented on affordable housing projects. The study adopted a two-phased quasi-experimental research design. In the first phase, the technical specification, lifecycle energy and cost and actual performance of these variants under varying conditions pertaining to sustainability were assessed and compared. The Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH) framework was adjusted to enhance its utility for computing sustainability index scores using expert opinions. Afterwards, the experts computed the sustainability index score for each case using the adjusted SIAH framework. Subsequently, the Edge App and SimaPro were used to simulate the sustainability performance of these variants under varying conditions. The study's results indicate higher overall sustainability performance of IPCMs compared to conventional methods. Moreover, the research results proved that the monolithic IPCMs were more suitable for net-zero carbon buildings. The study highlights the SIAH framework's usefulness as an assessment tool for determining the sustainability performance of affordable housing projects and for successfully selecting optimum IPCMs to implement towards eliciting such performance. It is expected that this study's results will contribute towards advancing the SIAH agenda in Southern Africa.

Factors Affecting Design toward Affordable Sustainable Housing Delivery in South African Construction Industry

The purpose of this study is to establish the factors that affect the design toward affordable sustainable housing delivery because housing is delivered above budget and unaffordable for low-income earners in South Africa. A sequential mixed method involving qualitative and quantitative approach was engaged for this study, and construction professionals were selected as respondents from nine provinces of South Africa to answer four points Likert scale quantitative questionnaires. A total of one hundred and fourteen (114) questionnaires were appropriately completed and retrieved from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics which include PCA, correlation, and regression analysis tools on SPSS version 25 to determine factors that affect the design with the regards to affordable housing delivery in South Africa, interview process is used to validate the findings obtained. The findings indicated that improper design leads to failure in achieving client objectives and causes a change in design and demolition. Lack of design of first-rate living conditions for a healthy environment, design sufficiency, and adaptability to meet people’s demand for cost efficient housing were the major factors responsible for unaffordable housing in South Africa. The study recommended that government should establish key policies on housing design to control resource waste and limit construction costs within budget. This will encourage the sensitivity of construction operators about resources control at the planning and implementation stages of housing production.

Drivers, Enablers, Barriers and Technologies (DEBT) For Low-Energy Public Housing Delivery in Nigeria

Nigeria, as a developing country, has vast and varied energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable. In spite of these resources, an estimated 75% of her population of close to 200 million faces serious energy poverty problems due to shortfalls in energy supply compared to its energy demand. Consequently, a large portion of the population lives without access to adequate electricity. Hence, the country encounters unprecedented struggles with incessant power outages, unemployment, a low human development index (HDI), and poverty. This paper examines the drivers, enablers, barriers, and technological considerations for low-energy integration in the provision of housing for Nigeria's huge population. The objective is to harness the varied energy resources to aid in the delivery of environmentally friendly and sustainable housing in a developing economy such as Nigeria. This is critical in light of rising energy costs, environmental degradation, global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. Reduced energy use in housing is highlighted as a critical issue in environmental management. The paper highlighted several factors that need to be appropriately addressed for a paradigm shift to low-energy integration to achieve sustainable housing delivery in Nigeria. It recommends the application of energy conservation measures in mass housing construction, the full exploitation and promotion of renewable energy resources, and energy efficiency practices in housing provision, among others. The paper concludes that these should be given adequate attention during planning, designing, and delivering sustainable housing.

Architectural design response to population issue in sub-Saharan cities

Overpopulation is a serious global problem, and it is predicted to get worse in future if unchecked; accompanied with threat of dwindling resources. The increase in population and its effect on the housing sector is surfacing as clog in the wheel of efforts at reducing Africa’s housing deficits. How then can urban life continue to thrive in the existing housing issues in colonial, sub-Saharan city of Enugu, exploiting architectural design strategies is what the study investigates. It utilized a qualitative research approach of survey and participant observation in which data were collected and analysed based on thematic content analysis. Gross housing deficit, increased housing rent, emergence and expansion of squatter settlement, Land use conversion and slum conditions are some observable effects of population growth due to urbanization and rural-urban drift in the city; Statistics of public housing provision between 1999-2020, showed an over focus on high-income earners, neglecting the majority low-income population. Therefore, architect’s intervention in the housing sector should be strategic, holistic and proactive and encourage use of local materials, vertical development, dry construction and stakeholder’s participation in delivery process. The study concludes that futuristic architecture holds the key to humanity’s continued stewardship on earth and a sustainable housing delivery.

Correlation between Socio-Economic Characteristics and Housing Quality of Residential Neighbourhoods in Akure, Southwest Nigeria

There is a general paucity of explanations for the emerging social and spatial changes in the pattern and socio-economic traits of urban residential housing units in Nigeria. Hence, this study examined the spatial pattern of residential neighbourhoods; assessed the quality of residential housing units; and evaluated the correlation between the socio-economic position of respondents and housing quality in Akure, Nigeria. Data were derived from the household questionnaire, remotely sensed data (Landsat 8 OLI/TIR, 2021), a Google Earth map, a Street Map of Akure Township, and personal observations. The study adopted a step-wise sampling technique to select 383 samples from 139,069 heads of households in Akure in 2021. Data were analysed using percentage distribution, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and t-test. Results indicated varying housing qualities across three residential zones in Akure, Nigeria; houses in the low-density residential areas were of better quality than the other residential zones. The quality of houses occupied was influenced by the type of occupation, level of education and average annual income of residents. The study concluded that inadequate housing facilities are fundamental to the observed deteriorating housing qualities in the study area. Therefore, the study suggested improvement of the existing infrastructures and the provision of new ones in the study area. The main contribution of this study is to proffer solutions for a sustainable housing delivery system to facilitate a better quality of life in Nigerian urban centres.

Strategies to promote the acceptance of sandbag building technology for sustainable and affordable housing delivery: the South African case

PurposeSandbag building technologies (SBTs) have been offered as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative building technology (ABT) capable of accelerating house construction in South Africa, but its acceptance remains low. However, knowledge about how to effectively improve SBT social acceptance is limited. This study aims to develop and prioritise SBT social acceptability strategies towards providing a comprehensive framework for the successful deployment and widespread adoption of sandbag technology.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a quantitative research strategy that included a literature review and a structured questionnaire survey of 228 ABT professionals and stakeholders in the South African housing industry. The study statistically analysed 13 strategies for the social acceptance of SBT.FindingsThe analysis showed that the top three strategies include the availability of sandbag demonstration projects in all provinces, the approval of a sandbag building code and the availability of standard design methods for earthbags. A factor analysis clustered the 13 strategies into Stakeholders integration and policy formation, Effective education and knowledge sharing and Grassroots advocacy and incentives.Practical implicationsThe current study’s findings provide a broad framework for the effective implementation and wide acceptance of sandbag technology in housing projects. It offered certain best practices that policymakers and practitioners might use to promote ABT and SBT societal acceptability.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study represents the first and only attempt to investigate the viewpoints of experts and housing market stakeholders in South Africa regarding sandbag technology social acceptance strategies and contributes to the social acceptance body of knowledge in ABT and SBT.

Appropriate Technology and Design: A Solution for Sustainable and Affordable Housing Delivery in Major Cities of Ghana

Appropriate technology and design for housing delivery undoubtedly has abundant cost benefit and other advantages. However, the acceptance of its usage and application for sustainable and affordable housing delivery is rare. Appropriate technology supports and enhances good life without compromising the earth’s ecosystem and the prospects of later generations. It is energy efficient, environmentally sound, and it is been controlled by the local community with local available materials. Appropriate housing design on other hand, focuses on the engineering and architectural perspective of a structure that supports sustainable construction and development. The paper aimed at determining the extent to which appropriate technologies and designs are currently employed in addressing housing sustainability and affordability in Ghana. Questionnaire survey was used for the data collection. The study was conducted in Accra, Takoradi and Cape Coast of Ghana within the period of 5 Months. In total, 110 questionnaires were distributed among Building and Construction Professionals and Self- Built House Owners. Out of the number distributed, 56 were retrieved for analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study established that, hydrafoam, adobe bricks technology, timber homes technology, and wattle and daub technology were considered the most used and acceptable appropriate technologies for sustainable and affordable housing delivering. The findings of the study also revealed that, the extent to which appropriate technologies and designs have been adopted in major cities in Ghana is low. This implies that less emphasis is placed on the use of appropriate technology and design in resolving sustainable and affordable housing issues in major cities. It is therefore, suggested that, government and stakeholders mainstream the use of appropriate designs and technologies for sustainable and affordable delivery. Consequently, stakeholders should help change the perception of Ghanaians towards the adoption of appropriate technologies and designs for sustainable and affordable housing delivery.

Suitability Analysis of Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) for Sustainable Housing Delivery in Guinea Savannah Zone of Northern Nigeria

In meeting housing delivery challenges in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to develop materials and technologies that are cost effective, eco-friendly, having good user perception and showcasing cultural heritage. The study evaluated the compressed earth bricks (CEB) and sandcrete blocks sustainability as building materials. Structured questionnaires were administered to professionals (Architects, Structural Engineers and Builders) in Kaduna State to establish the awareness level, application and sustainability qualities of CEB as compared to sandcrete blocks. Laboratory tests were conducted on six soil samples and CEB from three States of Guinea Savannah Zone of Northern Nigeria (Kaduna, Plateau and Niger) to ascertain their suitability for housing development. Findings showed low awareness, acceptability and poor user perception levels of CEB at 12% but high advantage as regard cost, environmental friendliness (energy efficient) and cultural heritage. CEB were manually and dynamically compressed at medium pressure and cured for 7 and 28 days respectively with five different cement ratios. The maximum compressive strength in 28days for Kaduna State was Damashi with 2.67 N/mm2, at 6% stabilisation; Plateau State, both Bassa and Jos South had 2.82 N/mm2 at 6% cement content and Bosso in Niger State was 4.42 N/mm2 at 8% cement content. The bricks from each of the sites indicated appropriate for use at either 2% or 4% but averagely 6% and all at 8% cement stabilisation. CEB has sustainable advantage over sandcrete blocks by approximately 70%. The paper recommends that developers, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Governments housing development agencies commence the use of optimised CEB for sustainable large scale housing production in Nigeria.

AHP-DEMATEL modelling of consultant related delay factors affecting sustainable housing construction in Saudi Arabia

Considering the significance of project consultants in the delivery of sustainable housing, it is imperative to recognize the performance of Saudi Arabian-based consultants as a critical factor in the delay of construction projects. However, most of the related literatures focus more on project owners and contractors. Thus, this study examined the relationship between consultant-related delay factors affecting sustainable housing development in Saudi Arabia. The Content Analysis was combined with an expert-driven survey to determine the critical consultant related delay factors while the results were analyzed using the AHP and DEMATEL techniques. Lack of communication between consultant and contractor was the most crucial consultant related delay factor affecting timely completion of mass housing development in Saudi Arabia. The outcomes of this paper are important to practitioners and policymakers to support the establishment of sustainable strategies for mitigating the impact of construction projects delay associated with the consultants and in turn enhance the efficiency of project team members in timely delivery of projects and promoting sustainable housing development in Saudi Arabia. While the outcomes of this study are predominantly based on issues peculiar to the local construction sector, the study findings may perhaps be applicable to construction sectors in other developing countries.

Concomitant Impediments to the Social Acceptance of Sandbag Technology for Sustainable and Affordable Housing Delivery: The Case of South Africa

There is a high level of homelessness in South Africa. Sandbag building technologies (SBTs) have been offered as economical and sustainable alternative building materials capable of speeding housing provision in South Africa. However, their degree of adoption in South Africa remains relatively low. Furthermore, limited research has examined the low adoption and social acceptance of SBTs, requiring thorough research. Therefore, this research investigates the key social barriers to accepting SBTs in housing provision. The study adopted a mixed method research approach that employs a comprehensive literature review in identifying 18 social barriers to using SBTs and a questionnaire survey of 228 building experts based in South Africa to obtain empirical data. The study findings indicated that the significant impediments were related to the lack of understanding of the benefits of sandbags, a lack of sandbag courses and training, and a lack of professional knowledge and skills, among others. A comparative analysis of the perceptions of the diverse categories of survey participants was conducted and discussed. This study’s evaluation of significant barriers offers government agencies and construction partners a framework to make realistic and well-informed decisions toward more sustainable and affordable housing delivery.

Is green good: Unveiling the latent benefits of sustainable housing delivery

Sustainable green housing delivery has been advocated as the pathway to a balanced built environment. However, stakeholders have not fully embraced its adoption, particularly in developing nations. To encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable housing, a better understanding into sustainable green development's potentials are imperative. This research unveils sustainable green housing delivery benefits. The common beneficial themes from the literature were extracted for investigation using a structured questionnaire. The survey participants were private investors (housing developers) and academia. Data for the study were analysed using mean item score, factor analysis, and ranking agreement analysis. Findings indicated that all the identified 22 investigated benefits are essential. The factor analytical result grouped these variables into satisfaction, housing promotion, cost minimization, economic promotion, and environmental development-related benefits. The agreement analysis revealed a high level of consensus between housing developers and academia on housing promotion (73%), economic promotion (100%), and environmental development (100%) related benefits. This study's findings are a credible road map and prudent recommendation for housing providers to implement sustainable housing delivery to promote a balanced and sustainable environment. It will also assist the government, clients, policymakers, and practitioners in increasing the delivery and investment in sustainable housing.

Appraisal of the housing delivery mandate of selected government agencies in Nigeria

In spite the concerted efforts made by housing stakeholders in formulating and implementing the 2012 National Housing Policy to bridge the gap between housing demand and supply, the housing situation remains in crisis and hampering on existing policies, sustainable housing delivery with consequent socio-economic, environmental, and political implications. These challenges call for an appraisal of the 2012 National housing policy towards identifying effective mechanism for the policy’s implementation. This paper assessed the roles of the housing policy’s implementing agencies (Federal Housing Authority and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria), identify the challenges faced by the agencies and provide strategies for effective implementation of the National housing policy in Nigeria. In conducting this study, a mixed methods approach was adopted. The study identified the roles played by the designated agencies towards ensuring effective implementation of the National housing policy to include facilitating the development and management of real estate across all states, provision of sites and services for all income groups. Some of the major challenges found to be affecting the provision of adequate housing include increasing cost of procuring land and building materials, poorly developed mortgage finance system and high interest rates on mortgages and cumbersome building plans approvals processes. Though the agencies made concerted efforts in living up to their responsibilities, the efforts are not enough as housing deficit continues to increase. It is therefore suggested that all the tiers of government should ensure the provision of adequate infrastructure and appropriate land titles for both implementing agencies and private firms, create enabling environment for private sector participation in long-term housing finance and encourage the use of indigenous and alternative building materials to reduce construction cost.

Appraising the nexus between influencers and sustainability‐oriented innovation adoption in affordable housing projects

AbstractThe emergence of a plethora of innovative construction methods, materials and technologies in the construction industry has been projected to enhance the effective delivery of sustainable affordable housing. However, a lack of empirical evidence buttressing an extensive analysis of the effect of internal and external influencers on adopting these innovations within the affordable housing context in developing countries persists. This study examines the nexus between company and project characteristics as internal influencers, and challenges as external influencers, on the extent of use of sustainability‐oriented innovations (SOIs), on affordable housing projects. Variables emanating from an extensive literature review were presented in a causal model detailing sustainable, innovative, and affordable housing (SIAH). The model and the inherent causality between the constructs were validated through a survey administered on a population of registered South African home developers. The results of structural equation modelling posit a minimal positive impact of internal influencers and moderate negative effects of external challenges on the extent of use of SOIs by home developers. Also, results highlighted the negative mediating impact of challenges on the relationship between internal influences and the extent of use of SOI in affordable housing projects. The study concludes that the external challenges are the key drivers of adopting innovation in SIAH, and by addressing these challenges, the extent of use will significantly improve. The validated causal model can be used as a framework to enhance SOIs adoption in SIAH.

Sustainable Housing Delivery for The Urban Poor in Nigeria

The plight of the urban poor towards achieving adequate and satisfying housing accommodations remains a recurring decimal in Nigeria. Previous housing policies, concepts, strategies, and initiatives failed to establish a long-term sustainable housing delivery for this particular urban populace with recurrent quality and quantity shortages. This article underlines the challenges facing housing delivery for the urban poor and the need for appropriate and timely developmental strategies to ensure sustainable and effective housing delivery in Nigeria. It examines housing policies, housing conditions, and the constraints of sustainable housing delivery for the urban poor through a systematic review of academic outputs. It was discovered among others that sustainable housing delivery for the urban poor in Nigeria is challenged by the factors of incessant and unmatched urbanization, lack of socio-cultural considerations, economic realities, neglect of urban core, and inappropriate housing policies among others. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on housing delivery from the perspective of the urban poor and concludes by highlighting some recommendations that are likely to obliterate the challenges identified and discussed.