Sustainable Housing Research Articles

The Art of ‘Three carvings’(“三雕”) of Ming and Qing Ancient Buildings in Jinxi County, Jiangxi Province: Cultural Memory and Heritage Preservation in the Digitization Process

Jinxi County of Jiangxi Province has beautiful forest, with pleasant climate and four distinct seasons. Across the county, a remarkable number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties have survived, reflecting the region's deep historical and cultural heritage.These ancient buildings of Ming and Qing Dynasties are the living fossils of Jiangxi ancient architecture culture, and the memory and inheritance of Jiangxi culture in the past. A qualitative research method was used, through the local ancient buildings, ancient building internal structure, ancient architectural decoration and surrounding environment landscape data collection, interviews with local residents, control ancient history, analyzing the background under the digital process of jinxi county ‘Three carvings’(“三雕”) the necessity of art and cultural heritage protection and the application value of modern society, the exploration of the relationship between cultural memory and cultural tourism development has important theoretical value and practical significance in both academic research and practice.Cultural memory and heritage protection are closely related to the sustainable development of ancient buildings. These two mainstream concepts are integrated with the inheritance and dissemination significance of the ‘Three carvings’(“三雕”) in ancient buildings and ancient buildings. With the concept of cultural memory and the background of digital process, this paper believes that to preserve the traditional skills of ancient architecture, we should fully explore the concept of heritage protection, combine with the government and universities, and use digital technology to promote the sustainability of historical housing and related legislation.

Green buildings: Understanding and Incorporating the Sustainable Housing Infrastructure in Accordance with SDG-11

Green buildings: Understanding and Incorporating the Sustainable Housing Infrastructure in Accordance with SDG-11

Sustainable Co-Habitation Housing Design: A Computational Approach for Addressing Biodiversity Threats in the Galapagos Islands

Sustainable Co-Habitation Housing Design: A Computational Approach for Addressing Biodiversity Threats in the Galapagos Islands

Sustainable Construction Practices For Affordable Housing: A Focus On Green Building In The U.S

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of sustainable construction in affordable housing across the U.S., presenting key techniques such as energy-efficient materials, renewable energy installations, and adherence to green certifications like LEED, Energy Star for Homes, and Living Building Challenge. Through evaluation of some case studies that include projects on sustainable housing in Texas, California, and other global examples, the article explores how sustainable practices can reduce operational costs, and improve healthy living and environmental impact. Results from the study show that projects integrating solar energy and optimized construction methods that involve heat regulations, water conservation, use of sustainable materials, lower utility expenses, enhance indoor comfort, and improve community health. By reducing long-term costs and environmental footprints, sustainable building techniques present a viable solution to the affordable housing crisis, with the potential to be scaled nationally.

Cultivating Wellbeing - Sheltering of the Global Displaced Population.

The global issue of displacement presents significant challenges, particularly concerning the provision of adequate shelter for affected communities. The correlation between inadequate shelters and the wellbeing of displaced populations is a critical area of concern. Recognizing the urgent need for improved understanding, the study examines the connection between sustainable housing, wellbeing, and the unique challenges faced by displaced communities worldwide. Employing a mixed-method approach, including fieldwork in the humanitarian field or sheltering, expert interviews, and case studies, the study aims to shed light on the possibility of empathic design principles for improvements. The paper proposes key design principles for the process of sheltering the displaced population, emphasizing principles such as inclusive participation, cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and environmental consciousness. By prioritizing the overall health and wellbeing of inhabitants, these principles seek to address the complex challenges associated with sheltering and contribute to the advancement of humanitarian architecture, ultimately improving the lives of displaced populations globally.

EVALUATION OF HOUSING FINANCING ASSISTANCE POLICIES FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE IN DKI JAKARTA

This study aims to find out how to evaluate housing financing assistance policies for low-income people in the DKI Jakarta area. The research used a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. The data collection technique used was a mixed method through respondent questionnaire surveys, interviews, and literature studies. The sample in this study consisted of respondents who had received the benefits of housing funding assistance policies and those who had not. The results of this study show that the leveling in the evaluation of housing finance assistance policies can be measured based on two indicators, namely, the policy has been evenly and comprehensively distributed, and the usefulness of the policy in overcoming the housing backlog in DKI Indonesia is felt by MBR. Meanwhile, from the utility aspect, the housing financing financing assistance policy is beneficial for MBR in acquiring subsidized houses. Furthermore, there are still shortcomings that must be corrected both from the supply aspect housing, strengthening policy monitoring and evaluation, strengthening governance and institutions, strengthening laws and regulations, strengthening collaboration and synergy between stakeholders, and strengthening collaboration. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers to design more equitable and sustainable housing financing strategies, addressing critical socio-economic issues in urban housing.

Building the Future: Integrating Phase Change Materials in Network of Nanogrids (NoN)

Building the Future: Integrating Phase Change Materials in Network of Nanogrids (NoN)

Assessing sustainable housing in rural areas of Malaysia: effects on economic benefits and social implications

PurposeThe recognition of housing as an essential requirement in enhancing the quality of life of an individual has increasingly captivated scholars’ interest, particularly within the context of sustainability. However, the identification of suitable attributes of sustainable housing to be prioritized encountered challenges due to a lack of effective approach in addressing uncertainties and stakeholders’ interests. This study attempts to identify critical attributes of sustainable housing in rural areas and explore their interrelationships.Design/methodology/approachSix dimensions and 54 criteria are proposed and validated using the expert linguistic preferences through the Fuzzy Delphi Method. The Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial Evaluation Laboratory is also applied to determine the interrelationship between those attributes.FindingsThe result demonstrates that economic benefits strongly impacted social implications for sustainable housing. The top criteria, including government participation, reduced life cycle cost, environmental protection and local authorities’ participation, are considered to assist housing stakeholders for better sustainable practices.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies addressing the interrelationship among sustainable housing attributes through linguistic preferences in the context of rural areas.

A methodological framework for sustainable housing for displaced populations

AbstractThis research highlights the role of sustainability aspects focusing on socio-cultural parameters and environmental performance in designing more comfortable and sustainable shelters. Following a two-mixed method approach, on the one hand, a comparative analysis is presented of IKEA Better Shelter, Rwandan Mud-Brick, and Nepali shelters by examining the cultural integration into their design (traditional layouts and shared spaces), their adaptability, and their environmental performance. On the other hand, a qualitative survey determines the level of satisfaction regarding space, comfort, social interaction, and cultural fit among residents. The results show that traditional building methods with the use of local materials, offer high privacy levels, excellent thermal and acoustics comfort, good cultural appropriateness and minimal environmental impact.

Feasibility Analysis Of The Provision Of Earthquake-Resistant Construction House (ERCH) Infrastructure With The Government And Business Entity Cooperation Scheme (GBECS)

Indonesia, situated on tectonic plate boundaries, is highly susceptible to earthquakes that cause significant damage to infrastructure and housing, particularly impacting low-income communities (LIC). This study evaluates the feasibility of providing Earthquake-Resistant Construction Houses (ERCH) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the research examines technical, financial, and economic aspects of the PPP scheme, focusing on earthquake-resistant technologies and the involvement of government and business entities. Findings indicate that the PPP scheme effectively addresses challenges such as limited government budgets and land availability while promoting the construction of 10,000 special housing units for disaster-prone areas under Indonesia’s 2020–2024 Infrastructure Development Framework. Financial analysis shows a 25% Internal Rate of Return (IRR), a payback period of four years, and sustainable viability through private-sector participation and government guarantees. This study highlights the potential of PPP schemes to enhance disaster resilience, optimize resources, and provide sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable communities.

Beyond blueprints: unveiling sustainable housing ambitions – a TAM and EMGB fusion among paraprofessionals in urban construction landscape

PurposeThis study explores the factors influencing the investment intentions of potential home buyers among paraprofessionals in sustainable housing within urban construction. By combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB), the research seeks to understand how technological perceptions, personal motivations and behavioral intentions intersect to shape these investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive research design was employed in this study. The study surveyed 641 paraprofessionals as potential home buyers in various Indian cities using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. It incorporated variables from the TAM and EMGB, modifying some aspects to include financial self-efficacy, hedonic motivation and anticipated regret, alongside adding location as a new factor to examine its impact. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized. The analysis focused on hypothesis testing to examine the relationships between the constructs of interest. Bootstrap t-values and effect sizes were used to assess these relationships’ significance and magnitude.FindingsThe study found that perceived usefulness and ease of use significantly enhance attitudes toward sustainable homes, while subjective norms have a minimal effect on such investments in India, emphasizing personal rather than societal influences. Financial self-efficacy, anticipated regret and hedonic motivation are key drivers, indicating that economic capacity and the pursuit of a satisfying lifestyle are crucial for investment intentions. Additionally, the importance of location is highlighted, with infrastructural aspects notably affecting sustainable housing appeal. These insights reveal unique dynamics in India’s sustainable housing sector, diverging from trends in developed countries.Originality/valueThe study lies in its unique fusion of the TAM and EMGB specifically tailored to the Indian urban construction context. It introduces financial self-efficacy, hedonic motivation and anticipated regret as novel variables within these frameworks, alongside emphasizing the significant role of location in sustainable housing decisions. This approach offers new insights into the psychological and socioeconomic factors driving sustainable housing investments in developing countries.

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.

Net zero community: Housing framework with zero negative environmental impact

AbstractArchitecture has evolved to address challenges, giving rise to new concepts. Today, global warming is a critical challenge mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive buildings. The construction industry, primarily focused on housing, is both a culprit and a potential solution. This exploration delves into sustainable housing development, recognizing its pivotal role in mitigating environmental impact. The objective is to devise a model encompassing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The proposed solution involves creating a net-zero energy community, addressing the surging growth of urban areas, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions. Emphasizing sustainability as a lifestyle, this approach aims to mitigate the construction industry's impact on global warming.

Appraising the potentials of reusing plastic bottles as building blocks for housing construction at Paipe village Abuja Nigeria

Plastic bottles package a multitude of commodities consumed worldwide. Upon consumption of the commodity, the disposed plastic bottles accumulate as waste, having impacts on both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. In a bid to convert such waste to wealth, plastic bottles are creatively reused for different applications, such as pedestrian bridge boats and street furniture, amongst others. Another application of reusing plastic bottles is their serving as building blocks for housing construction. Reports and research in Nigeria confirm the proliferation of plastic bottles littering the environment, which if reused in housing construction has the potential to contribute to achieving both UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 (making human settlements sustainable) and 12 (ensuring sustainable consumption and production). Although Nigeria is traced to being the first country in Africa to reuse plastic bottles in housing construction, not much research output exists from practitioners’ experience on the potentials of reusing plastic bottles as a sustainable construction material as practiced in countries like Vietnam, India, and the Philippines, among others. As such, this study investigates the potential factors driving the practice of reusing plastic bottles in Nigeria with a view to ascertaining the satisfaction derived from the practice for sustainable housing construction. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 41 respondents identified as having experience in using plastic bottles in construction (5 staffs of Awonto Konsult as well as 36 staffs of Brains and Hammers Construction). Data was analysed descriptively using both IBM SPSS Statistics 23 as well as MS Excel to compute the Mean Score as well as the Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI). Only 30 questionnaires were successfully retrieved and fully answered. Amongst the 10 potential factors studied driving reusing plastic bottles, results show that almost all respondents tend to be ‘satisfied’ with both ‘strength and stability’ (having a Mean Value of 4.70 and RSI of 0.94) as well as ‘durability’ (having a Mean Value of 4.50; RSI of 0.90) of buildings built with plastic bottles. These two factors recorded the highest ‘satisfaction’ ratings, leaning towards ‘very satisfied’. Regarding the factor ‘fire resistance’ of buildings built with plastic bottles (having a Mean Value of 3.40; RSI of 0.68), results reveal that 50 percent of the respondents are ‘unsure’ if it is a satisfactory factor driving reusing plastic bottles or not. The study found that the satisfaction ratings of technical and environmental factors have higher appeal to respondents compared to health and safety and also financial factors. It is recommended that Awonto Konsult and also Brains and Hammers Construction invest more in information related to the fire resistance of plastic bottles used in construction because fire outbreaks pose great threats to buildings. Equally, wider empirical research on plastic bottle wastes, if undertaken, could support the development of policies for waste management, particularly in developing countries. This research has the potential to convert waste into wealth in a bid to minimising environmental impacts of disposed plastic bottles as well as contribute to sustainable materials, particularly for rural housing. Since this study was based on a survey, experimental studies of potentials driving the reuse of plastic bottles in housing construction will reveal results that could enable more sustainable housing construction in Nigeria.

Utilising brewer’s spent grain as a cost-effective feed formula for sustainable house cricket (Acheta domesticus) rearing

Abstract This study investigates the potential of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal in the diets of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) to enhance sustainable cricket rearing. BSG, a by-product of the brewing industry, was chosen due to its local availability and high protein content (38%). Here, the impacts of varying levels of BSG substitution (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, chemical composition, and volatile compound profiles of crickets over a 45-day period was assessed. Crickets were reared under controlled conditions and divided into five groups, each receiving one of the experimental diets. Growth performance parameters, including body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, were measured. Chemical analysis of the crickets and their diets was conducted, focusing on protein efficiency ratio, apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD), and nitrogen retention. Volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Crickets fed BSG diets exhibited higher protein deposition and lower fat content compared to those on a commercial diet, suggesting BSG’s potential to improve protein quality while reducing fat accumulation. ADMD was also higher in BSG-fed crickets, likely due to the prebiotic effects of components such as β-glucans and arabinoxylans. Additionally, the inclusion of BSG up to 30% in cricket diets reduced production costs by up to 29% compared to a commercial diet. Volatile compound analysis revealed that crickets fed BSG diets produced different odour profiles, with 2-heptanone, a compound with a fruity aroma, detected only in BSG-fed crickets. These findings suggest that BSG is a viable and sustainable ingredient for cricket feed, offering both economic and nutritional benefits while also influencing the sensory characteristics of crickets. Further research is recommended to optimise BSG inclusion levels and explore its broader applications in insect and animal farming.

Improving Housing Sustainability Through an Innovative Approach

The need for housing has always been a concern for societies throughout history, and for a long time, providing suitable housing has been a challenge not only for individuals but also for governments. Housing is a fundamental human need; however, access remains a significant challenge, especially for low-income families. Rapid urbanization exacerbates this issue and highlights the need for innovative and sustainable housing strategies that can support urban growth and improve living conditions for these families. This literature review examines housing strategies such as mixed-use developments, incremental housing, low-rent housing, retrofitting, micro-housing, co-housing, and green building through a comprehensive literature search and thematic analysis to address housing challenges comprehensively. The findings suggest that these strategies can significantly enhance spatial equity and promote sustainable urban development. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates, aiming to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities. The study emphasizes that appropriate design techniques, new materials, and technologies not only increase housing sustainability but also enhance affordability by reducing life cycle costs. This research establishes the link between sustainability and affordability in housing design and offers insights that can be adapted and applied in other areas with low-income groups.

An Investigation of Renewable Energy Solutions for Off-Grid Sustainable Housing in Rural Nigeria

This study examines the adoption of renewable energy solutions for off-grid sustainable housing in rural Nigeria, focusing on the types of technologies implemented, their impact on living standards, and the factors influencing adoption. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data from 340 households with qualitative interviews and case studies, reveals that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most widely adopted renewable energy technology, significantly enhancing health outcomes, economic activities, and educational opportunities. Multivariate regression analysis identifies income, education level, and awareness as key predictors of renewable energy adoption, with coefficients of 0.345, 0.267, and 0.453, respectively, suggesting that higher income, education levels, and awareness substantially increase the likelihood of adopting renewable energy solutions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) illustrates that awareness mediates the impact of income and education on adoption, which, in turn, contributes to improved living standards. The study underscores the need for comprehensive policies, community engagement, capacity building, financial support, and effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to encourage renewable energy adoption in rural Nigeria. These findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of renewable energy, including improved health, economic growth, and educational outcomes, while suggesting that addressing identified barriers can enhance the effectiveness and scalability of renewable energy initiatives.

Deciphering house prices by integrating street perceptions with a machine-learning algorithm: A case study of Xi'an, China

A comprehensive understanding of house prices and their factors provide insights into the demand for housing while helping policymakers implement measures to manage the housing market. Traditional studies either focus more on linear relationships and ignore complex, non-linear influences or consider neighborhood amenities but lose sight of the streetscape. This study aims to enrich the literature by integrating street-perception characteristics with an interpretable machine-learning technique for modeling house prices. Specifically, street-view images were semantically segmented to quantify street-perception characteristics from five perspectives: greenness, openness, enclosure, walkability, and imageability. By combining the determinants of community attributes and living convenience, 17 explanatory variables were fed into a gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT) model to estimate housing prices. The results reveal that the model significantly outperforms the linear model (R2 increased by 47.87 %). Additionally, an improvement of 26.15 % (R2) was observed when street-perception characteristics were incorporated. Moreover, complicated non-linear relationships and interaction effects are discussed by visualizing partial dependence plots (PDPs). These findings offer nuanced guidance for improving the neighborhood environment to promote urban equity and develop a sustainable housing market.

Modelling Nigerian residential dwellings: bottom-up approach and scenario analysis

Nigeria’s residential buildings consume a substantial amount of the country’s energy, so achieving a net-zero building sector with a rapidly growing population is a key challenge. To bridge the gap in research at a national level and support Nigeria’s commitment to an unconditional 20% reduction in emissions by 2030, this study develops bottom-up archetype models of different residential building typologies to estimate the energy and material use of Nigerian residential buildings. This creates an overview of the residential stock and how different archetypes perform. The study calculates a baseline energy and material use of Nigeria’s residential building stock using the BuildME tool and converts these data into CO2 emissions using a life-cycle assessment. Scenarios are modelled for 2020. Nigeria’s residential dwellings use approximately 0.3 kt of material per dwelling over a lifetime of 50 years and 2404 kWh/yr of energy per dwelling. Annualised, dwellings emit 2500 kgCO2-eq per dwelling due to material and energy use. Scenarios proposed for meeting Nigeria’s emissions targets will require improved energy efficiency, decarbonising the building envelope through a shift in construction materials and decarbonising grid electricity. Policy relevance This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the energy and material use of residential buildings in Nigeria, focusing on achieving the country’s commitment to a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030. It employs a bottom-up approach to model energy and material use, revealing the peculiarities of the dwelling stock across Nigeria’s four climatic zones. The study explores the implications of different policy scenarios on sustainable housing. The research suggests that meeting Nigeria’s emissions targets requires improved energy efficiency, a shift in construction materials and decarbonisation of grid electricity. It also highlights the potential benefits of a policy switch to materials such as timber, earthen blocks, adobe bricks and clay, which could significantly reduce construction-related emissions. These changes could improve the quality of life of households in Nigeria, combat climate change on a global scale and bring economic advantages to Nigeria.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Airbnb Listings in New York City: Challenges and Opportunities for Urban Housing Sustainability

Short-term rental (STR) platforms like Airbnb have significantly impacted urban housing sustainability, particularly in cities like New York City. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the STR market, raising questions about its resilience and effects on sustainable urban housing. This study addresses the following research questions: (1) How did unit and neighborhood characteristics influence the survival of Airbnb listings during the pandemic? (2) What changes occurred in the factors determining the emergence of new listings during the pandemic? Using data from Inside Airbnb, we applied Cox proportional hazard models and negative binomial regression to analyze changes before and after the pandemic. We found that during the pandemic, price discounts became crucial for listing survival, while traditional quality indicators like superhost status and high ratings lost significance. The importance of subway accessibility decreased, reflecting shifts in traveler preferences. Additionally, new listings were less likely to emerge in high-density Airbnb areas and more likely in neighborhoods with higher crime rates. These findings highlight the need for sustainable regulatory approaches that balance the benefits of STR platforms with protecting housing affordability and community well-being. Our study provides insights for policymakers aiming to promote sustainable urban housing during global crises.