Sustainable Housing Research Articles

Cultural Influences and Sustainable Housing Design: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Cultural Influences and Sustainable Housing Design: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Heterogeneous preferences for sustainable housing: evidence from Poland

Heterogeneous preferences for sustainable housing: evidence from Poland

Economic fundamentals and house prices in Namibia: comparative evidence from real and interpolated data

Purpose The primary aim of this paper is to concurrently use the data types to enhance econometric analysis in the housing market in developing countries, particularly Namibia. Design/methodology/approach Scholarly discussions on econometric analysis in the housing market in sub-Saharan Africa suggest that the inadequacy of time series data has impeded studies of such nature in the region. Hence, this paper aims to comparatively analyse the impact of economic fundamentals on house prices in Namibia using real and interpolated data from 1990 to 2021 supported by the ARDL model. Findings It was discovered that in all the three types of data house prices were affected by fundamentals except real GDP in the long term. It was also noted that there were not much significant variations between the real data and the interpolated data frequencies. However, the results of the annual data and the semi-annual interpolated data were more analogously comparable to the quarterly interpolated data Practical implications It is suggested that the adoption of interpolated data frequency type should be based on the statistical significance of the result. In addition, the need to monitor the nexus of the housing market and fundamentals is necessary for stable and sustainable housing market for enhanced policy direction and prudent property investment decision. Originality/value The study pioneer to concurrently use the data types to enhance econometric analysis in the housing market in developing countries.

Network dynamics of positive energy districts: a coevolutionary business ecosystem analysis

IntroductionAmid the rising interest in sustainable urban development, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) have become a focus of research. This study examines the dynamic processes that influence the development and scalability of PEDs from a co-evolutionary business ecosystem perspective.MethodsTo delve into the dynamics of Positive Energy Districts, we applied the business ecosystem framework to a real-world case study, namely the Hunziker Areal. Our research methodology involved the development and validation of a high-level conceptual model. This was achieved through workshops and guided interviews with experts engaged in pilot and research projects related to PEDs.ResultsThe study highlights the significance of employing a systemic approach to evaluate the potential of PEDs in enhancing housing sustainability while creating value for diverse stakeholders. Through the utilization of causal loop diagrams, key feedback loops explaining the diffusion of PEDs are identified. Moreover, the study reveals varying perceptions of PED utility among stakeholders, who assess the impact using different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as CO2 target achievement and well-being. Key factors influencing technology adoption, such as low prosumer electricity unit cost, are also identified.DiscussionOur findings further shed light on crucial aspects affecting value capture and the attractiveness of the ecosystem to investors. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of supportive policies and regulations in facilitating the diffusion and scalability of Positive Energy Districts.

Housing in the Capitalocene: Environmental education and sustainable living

Capital and property have been combined since Karl Marx wrote Das Kapital in 1867. Indeed, capitalism and the housing market are interlinked because property is an asset whose indexed value upholds global markets. On the other side of property as real estate is the environmental damage and augmentation of climate change that housing represents - mostly in advanced, technological societies. This paper attends to capital investment in housing as the Capitalocene and subsequently through environmental education according to environmental and social principles (social ecology). This article examines what is offered in the Australian curriculum for pre-tertiary and university students in terms of sustainable housing and uses the latest in sustainable housing research and practice to provide a new, visionary basis for environmental education, that tackles housing through 3D printing. The current Australian curriculum on sustainable housing centers on the ‘Illawarra Flame’ house (University of Wollongong), that presents a retrofitting solution to improve the quality of life of the occupants. Illawarra Flame house is a net-zero, energy-efficient, solar powered house which provides the tenants with thermal comfort. This article expands and updates the data on sustainable housing from the ‘Illawarra Flame’ house to 3D printing and applies the principles of social ecology to make a link with environmental education that deals with the Capitalocene by offering affordable and sustainable housing.

The Challenges of Sustainable Affordable Housing Construction During the Sri Lankan Economic Crisis

The present Sri Lankan economic crisis has severely impacted various sectors including the industry of construction. Hence, the construction of affordable housing has become an extremely significant factor in response to the circumstances of the economic downfall. Although affordable housing projects are one of the best resolutions for the need for shelter during economic breakdowns, sustainably commencing, implementing, and maintaining such projects are also highly challenging in the present. Therefore, the present study examines the challenges of commencing, implementing, and maintaining sustainable affordable housing projects in Sri Lanka under the impacts of the contemporary economic crisis. The methodology of this research is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It has cooperated the primary data gathered from the study sample; construction professionals of Sri Lankan affordable housing projects via semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys and also the secondary data sources such as research paper publications, periodicals, journals, and books. The data received from the questionnaire survey was analyzed by a Frequency Index after forming them on a ‘Likert Scale’ to examine the degree of application of each respondent. The data gathered by interviews were evaluated in reference to a content analysis. The overall study findings reveal various limitations of affordable housing projects in Sri Lanka during the current economic crisis. It also suggests adopting new strategies and measures to enforce the defined field of study by prioritizing the degree of impact of each factor.

Geoecological assessment of spatial comfort of the population and bioproductivity of landscapes (regional aspect)

The article presents a geoecological assessment of the spatial comfort of the population of the Chechen Republic, as well as the natural bioproductivity of landscapes. Cartographic and tabular materials on the problem of environmental safety have been compiled. The main ecological problem of the Republic on the reduction of productive lands per capita is indicated. Conclusions and recommendations are made on the rational use and sustainability of landscape complexes, for planning and housing of the population, and industries of farms.

Navigating Homelessness Assistance While Pregnant: A Rapid Qualitative Research-to-Policy Collaboration in Washington, DC.

Homelessness during pregnancy contributes to adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes from birth through early childhood. Washington, DC, a microcosm of structural inequities in the United States, has persistent racial disparities in perinatal outcomes and housing insecurity. Grounded in a reproductive justice framework, we explored the lived experience of navigating homelessness assistance while pregnant to inform recommendations for a collaborative policy and practice change effort. We conducted 20 individual interviews with DC residents who experienced homelessness during pregnancy. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis and an action-oriented approach. Our analysis resulted in three main recommendation areas for policy and practice change: (1) timely and meaningful access to safe and stable housing in pregnancy; (2) care coordination for services and referrals that support physical, mental, and social well-being; and (3) access to a living wage and affordable housing. Access to stable housing is critical to ensure that pregnant and parenting people can have and raise children in a safe and sustainable environment-key tenets of reproductive justice. Housing support must be meaningfully accessible, including service delivery that accommodates the complex social histories and competing demands that accompany housing insecurity. This study informed the development of strategic recommendations, catalyzed a new model for multisector collaboration, and influenced a system-wide practice change to expand access to robust housing supports for pregnant people. Policy and practice change require sustained leveraging of political will to promote economic justice and ensure that residents can achieve safe, sustainable, and affordable housing.

Framework for Sustainable and Affordable Housing

Framework for Sustainable and Affordable Housing

Temporary housing environments in urban areas – challenges and key findings for implementation

Cities are increasingly confronted with the need to provide shortterm and cost-efficient housing as several factors, such as natural disasters, migration due to political or climatic circumstances or other unpredictable events can result in a sudden and at times temporary need for additional housing. Providing affordable, and flexible but at the same time sustainable and re-useable housing concepts that are easy to construct and quickly to implement are thus requirements that cities must face. Currently there is limited research available in this field, as disaster architecture and temporary housing have not yet been widely researched in an interdisciplinary manner. The project “Urban pop-up housing environments and their potential as local innovation systems” has aimed at addressing this research gap by investigating in a highly interdisciplinary approach how and under which circumstances temporary housing solutions could be implemented under challenging framework conditions. The aim of the project was to systematically investigate and evaluate existing temporary housing options, and to develop and assess innovative and sustainable models for pop-up living systems in urban environments regarding resource uptake as well as social aspects, which may serve as incubators for urban innovation. From a technical perspective the models are focused on integrating aspects related to architecture, energy technologies, resources and materials, water as well as landscape design. Starting with a data pool of international examples, a classification and systematization of relevant typologies has been carried out in combination with user profiles for the different housing situations. On this basis, potential urban areas have been identified for selected scenarios and finally six theoretical temporary housing models have been created and subsequently assessed and analyzed in detail. The purpose of this paper is to present the key findings related to the scenarios and models, that have been developed within this basic research project and the methodologies that have been applied to assess them. The challenges of the scenarios and overall project results are summarized to provide an outline for potential implementation and future pilot projects.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development in The IKN Region (Nusantara Capital): Simulation of The Smart Self-Sustaining Urban Center Area Development

Embarking on the quest for a sustainable urban future, this research immerses itself in the vibrant landscape of "Sustainable Infrastructure Development in the IKN Region (Nusantara Capital)." This study investigates the financial viability and economic attractiveness of the Five City project, focusing on efficient infrastructure management for sustainable settlement development. The core facility comprises four vertical residential towers with supporting amenities. The research aims to evaluate the project''s feasibility over a 25-year investment period through comprehensive financial analyses.The research employs a structured approach, encompassing regulatory analysis, stakeholder identification, financial capability analysis, and risk management. Parameters such as Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit/Cost Ratio (BCR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period are used for economic feasibility analysis. The study employs a detailed Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and Risk Register for risk management. The results collectively highlight the project''s promising economic outlook and proactive risk management approach.In conclusion, the study underscores the feasibility of the Five City project as a sound venture in project financing. The findings contribute valuable insights into infrastructure development, project finance, and risk management, providing a blueprint for sustainable housing projects in the Nusantara Capital Region. Recommendations include continuous monitoring, transparent communication, and adaptability for long-term success.

Toward Sustainable Housing Construction in Iraq

Toward Sustainable Housing Construction in Iraq

Challenges and Barriers to Property Reuse for Social Housing: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract This systematic literature review examines the challenges and barriers to property reuse for social housing development, a strategy increasingly recognized for its potential to address housing shortages while promoting sustainable urban development. The study synthesizes findings from a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and grey literature, identifying key obstacles across technical, economic, regulatory, social, and environmental domains. Our review reveals that while property reuse offers significant opportunities for creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions, it is hindered by complex interplays of structural limitations, financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, community resistance, and environmental concerns. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of barriers to adaptive reuse in the context of social housing, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to overcome these challenges. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a holistic understanding of the obstacles faced in property reuse projects for social housing and by identifying gaps in current research. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms, innovative financing models, and community engagement strategies to facilitate successful property reuse initiatives. These insights are valuable for policymakers, urban planners, and housing developers seeking to implement effective property reuse strategies for social housing development.

Social Housing Models in Latvia and A Comparative Analysis of the EU Member States

Abstract This study examines social housing models in Latvia, comparing them with those of other member states of the European Union (EU) through comparative and document analysis methodologies. The research investigates Latvia's current social housing landscape, its historical development, and the challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Latvia’s social housing sector, characterised by a very small share of the total housing stock and quality issues, is compared with 3–5 EU countries, focussing on funding mechanisms, target groups, and quality standards. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Latvia and other EU countries in social housing provision, with Latvia having one of the lowest incidences in the EU. Key findings include the impact of demographic trends on housing needs and the challenges posed by the ageing housing stock. The study concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and implementation strategies, contributing to the understanding of social housing dynamics in Latvia within the broader EU context and providing information for more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

Sustainable housing construction and population growth in the EAEU: A comparative approach

This paper presents a comparative study that investigates the relationship between housing construction rates and demographic development in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The study aims to explore the housing issue as a significant factor influencing demographic processes within the context of the disparate economic development among EAEU member countries. Employing econometric analysis, the study demonstrates a strong correlation between the commissioning of housing facilities and the population dynamics from 2005 to 2022. The findings highlight the interdependence between demographic growth and housing volume, suggesting the potential for developing a unified strategy for demographic and housing policies across EAEU countries and the international association as a whole. It is argued that improving housing conditions can foster demographic development by mitigating housing risks. Conversely, inadequate housing provision negatively impacts population reproduction dynamics. In conclusion, the paper offers recommendations for formulating a unified strategy in housing and demographic policies within the EAEU, based on the principles of housing demography.

Cabrio Teams, Primary Care for Homeless People In Belgium- Limburg

Cabrio aims to prevent homelessness with a cross-sector, multidisciplinary and autonomous team that establishes contact with homeless people in their living environment in an outreach manner, offers customized support and connects to social facilities. The team aims to help homeless people in finding sustainable housing. In the Belgian province of Limburg there are 3 Cabrio teams that serve 5 local authorities. The welfare organisation CAW Limburg coordinates the 3 Cabrio teams.
 Cabrio is active within the framework that is offered by the Flemish Action Plan to combat homelessness 2020-2024.
 https://www.departementwvg.be/welzijn-en-samenleving/welzijnswerk/dak-en-thuisloosheid 
 Objectives: 
 •Making contact in the social environment of homeless people and building a close relationship with homeless people.
 •Offer support in various life domains and realize a connection with services (network). Guarantee continuity in care.
 •Strengthening the personal network of clients.
 •Working on sustainable housing with social and other housing services.
 •Working on connection through small-scale projects with a high level of participation of the target group. This is part of the socialization of care.
 •Signalling structural barriers to local policy makers. 
 Methodical framework: Cabrio works in an outreaching and multidisciplinary way and uses methods from addiction care, counselling for people with psychological vulnerability and welfare work. Cabrio works from a shared vision of homelessness.
 Outreach work: Counsellors contact clients in the public space, at their home or in the semi-public space (e.g. institution, facility) with a participative basic attitude. They focus on making a connection with 'distrustful' clients
 Multidisciplinary work: To aim for care continuity the Cabrio team brings together different disciplines: general social work (CAW Limburg), addiction care (ZorGGroepZin), psychiatric home care (Beschut Wonen, Mobiel Herstelteam Psychiatrie), special youth care (CANO Pieter Simenon), outreach work (straathoekwerk).
 •Expertise of supervisors is shared in the Cabrio team.
 •Different perspectives and different expertise provides customized guidance.
 •The collaboration and sharing of expertise strengthens the communication and trust between the client and the team and improves the follow-up of specific cases.
 •Supervisors acquire new insights and methods in guiding homeless people to their own work setting.
 Special methods: Harm reduction (or harm-limiting work), motivational interviewing, circle of behaviour change Prochaska and Diclemente, making quarters, guideline for dealing with ethical dilemmas, Housing First.
 1.4.Registration by the Local Homeless Consultation
 The local authorities organize a Local Homeless Consultation (LDO) in which various welfare organizations participate that have contacts with homeless people through their daily practice. The LDO has 3 tasks: 
 •Making an inventory of homeless people in the work area.
 •Coordinating which service/counsellor takes care of the specific client.
 •Tackling signals or structural barriers.
 The LDO refers to the Cabrio team if the client:
 •Does not have stable housing (see Ethos).
 •Scores bad on several life domains and struggles with special problems (e.g. addiction, psychological vulnerability, medical problems, ...)
 •Has a disrupted personal network or does not have or has a few contacts with care services (also called care avoiders).

Towards a more integrated approach of housing and care for persons with a disability in Flanders

Aiming to offer persons with disabilities more opportunities to live independently and more inclusive, the Flemish government radically revised its subsidies for care and care infrastructure for persons with disabilities. Since 2016, subsidies for care are no longer allocated to care providers, but directly to the person with disabilities. In 2018, brick-and-mortar subsidies for care infrastructure were replaced with subject-specific investment subsidies. In this oral paper, we present the results of a study carried out in 2019 aiming to evaluate the impact of this more demand-driven subsidisation on the housing situation of persons with a disability.
 The evaluation was carried out by academic researchers, but set up in co-design with the Housing Agency Flanders, the Flemish Department responsible for care, care organisations, social housing providers, municipalities and organisations supporting persons with a disability. Persons with a disability receiving a care budget were invited to respond to a survey about their living conditions and how these changed after receiving the care budget. Another survey was send to care organisations and social housing providers and contained questions on the impact of the policy change on their investment decisions. After analysing the data, discussions with stakeholders were held to deepen the understanding of the results.
 Persons with disabilities reported in their answers to the survey changes in housing choices, housing quality and housing costs and linked these to the policy changes. Housing and care providers reported how their investment strategies were affected. The results of the study reveal how even after a few years the effects of a more demand driven subsidization are visible. Moreover, the study provides an example of how policy outcomes in one policy field (housing) can be affected by policy initiatives in another policy field (care). As such, the study stresses the need for more transversal research in studying housing policy outcomes and the need for an integrated policy approach.
 The presentation of the study will be followed by a presentation of one of the initiatives of the Housing Agency Flanders aiming at a better integration of these two distinct policy fields. The Agency is currently the driver of diverse incentives and experimental innovations for a more sustainable housing policy and initiatives. The Agency launched a call in 2017 for the development of experimental and innovative housing forms, focusing on building ‘common housing’ or ‘leasehold’ models. For a period of 6 years, 28 initiatives can develop an innovative practice exempt from housing regulation. In several initiatives, the aspect of care is intrinsically related to the experiment and innovation. We will present initiatives that provide an inclusive co-housing solution for people who need intensive and long-term care. Goal is to develop new housing initiatives, detect difficulties and gaps in legislation and explore possibilities to enroll these practices in Flanders.

TYPOLOGY AND INFLUENCE OF CRISIS PERIODS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN MODERN CITIES

The impact of crisis periods on the development of modern cities and residential development is an extremely important aspect of urban infrastructure analysis and planning. Different types of crises, including natural crises, economic crises, social conflicts, pandemics, military conflicts and others, can have different consequences for cities and residential development. In the context of crisis periods, cities need to be prepared for the challenges that may arise. This means developing effective action plans that include adapting to new conditions, restoring the housing stock, ensuring housing affordability and protecting residents from various threats. It is also important to remember that crises can test the resilience of cities and housing infrastructure, but they can also create opportunities for improvement and innovation. Bringing authorities, communities and developers together to work and develop together can help create more resilient and viable housing estates that meet the demands of the new realities. The purpose of this paper is to study the typology of crisis periods for modern cities, to identify different types of crises, their characteristics and impact on the development of residential development. The study was conducted using graph analytical and mathematical methods. The research requires the use of methods of both general scientific nature (systematic analysis and synthesis) and those borrowed from other fields of knowledge (philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology), which is explained by the phenomenological nature of the research object itself. In general, given the different types of crisis periods, it is important to develop comprehensive strategies to ensure the sustainability and safety of housing in modern cities. Responding to and recovering from crises determines how successful the development of cities and housing infrastructure will be in the future.

A Multi-Objective Optimization Method for the Design of a Sustainable House in Ecuador by Assessing LCC and LCEI

The building industry significantly contributes to global warming, driving the demand for sustainable construction and green buildings. However, barriers like cost concerns and limited knowledge persist. Previous studies have used multi-objective optimization (MOO) to minimize life cycle cost and environmental impact, often emphasizing energy efficiency. In equatorial climates, unique factors like material selection must be considered. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of sustainable materials, focusing on envelope materials in Ecuador. The case study is a single-family house in the equatorial climate, optimized using Building Information Modeling (BIM), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). In this study, a MOO process using the weighted sum approach (WSA) identifies sustainable house designs. The sustainable houses achieve a 98% decrease in Ozone Depletion Potential, a 75% reduction in Global Warming Potential, and a 45% drop in Primary Energy Demand, although they still incur a 30% increased cost. The results offer a foundation for cost-effective, eco-friendly housing solutions. Bamboo emerges as a promising material with local acceptance. This research highlights the significance of material selection in sustainable construction and provides a replicable approach for diverse settings. It aims to promote sustainable housing solutions in Ecuador and beyond.

Collective Housing Subsidies: A Public Policy Proposal for Sustainability

One way in which governments foster sustainable homebuilding and housing is by subsidizing single homes’ investment in sustainability technologies. The problem with these programs is that they incentivize inefficient investment by supporting technologies that make technical and economic sense on a small scale. Furthermore, this arrangement constitutes a flawed marketing system, producing a limited impact on global well-being and sustainability in the long term, as it rules out more efficient sustainability technologies. This paper addresses these shortcomings by designing a public policy proposal based on a contract between the government and homeowners that incentivizes the adoption of collective sustainable technologies, changing the marketing system with a shift in the behavior of a dominant actor, the government. Results indicate that an equilibrium in which the homeowners choose to participate in the new collective program in exchange for a subsidy is feasible and stable. Moreover, the generalization of the proposed program may generate a new way to incentivize the more efficient use of sustainable home technologies in the long run.