Sustainable Housing Development Research Articles

Saudi Arabia's sustainable housing limitations: the experts’ views

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt to bridge the gap between sustainable housing and the use of smart technologies to improve the level of sustainability in the housing construction in Saudi Arabia, by discussing the barriers and enablers concerned with applying sustainability to housing construction in Saudi Arabia, which utilises smart technologies. Design/methodology/approach – A Delphi method survey was employed, for which 25 individuals from three key stakeholder groups of the Saudi housing sector participated. They were asked about their degree of agreement (or disagreement) about the various barriers and enablers of applying sustainability to housing construction in Saudi Arabia, which utilises smart technologies. This research paper must be considered as an indicative study of selected experts that do not represent in any way the total population of Saudi Arabia. Findings – Lack of public awareness has been identified as the most significant barrier in implementing sustainable housing development in Saudi Arabia, which utilises smart technologies. Raising awareness of the public to the benefits of sustainable housing and enlightening key project stakeholders in the design of sustainable housing are both essential in order to overcome the barriers discussed in this paper. In addition, it is important to adopt smart sustainable construction methods, exemplified by but not limited to, appropriate water preservation and wastewater treatment systems that are simultaneously smart and sustainable. Research limitations/implications – This particular research has dealt with only barriers and enablers in the application of sustainability to housing in Saudi Arabia, which utilises smart technologies. For a more complete understanding, there is a need for further analysis of supplementary factors. Practical implications – A study such as this, which identifies and prioritises barriers and enablers, could prove useful in guiding or encouraging the relevant ministry in Saudi Arabia to develop policies founded in the implementation of sustainability to the housing sector. Originality/value – This research is a preliminary investigation into the implementation of sustainable housing development as it relates to Saudi Arabia.

Energy-efficient design for sustainable housing development

Abstract The housing industry has been accused of causing environmental problems ranging from excessive consumption energy consumption to pollution of the surrounding environment. Research on the impact of energy efficiency parameters in minimizing consumption to achieve sustainable housing development is already underway. This study investigates the potential link between energy efficiency parameters and three dimensions of sustainable housing development (environmental, social and economic), in particular Esfahan, Iran. The research is based on a collection of literature from research questionnaires and surveys and was initially conducted by sending 130 survey questionnaires to certain nominated consultant firms in Esfahan. After a two-month period, 41.5% of the survey was returned and deemed usable. The analysis methods were mainly descriptive with a regression analysis and a co-relational study was employed as the type of investigation. Assessment of the energy-efficiency parameters in the design phase of housing projects revealed that there was a strong correlation between the three dimensions of sustainability in housing development practices. The study also provides some recommendations for both government and construction companies to increase their participation in sustainable housing development progress, particularly in energy-efficient design, in the country.

Designing Large Housing Estate for Sustainable Communities

There is no doubt that large housing estate has an important impact on community design of sustainable neighborhoods and on the ur- ban and regional housing markets of most cities in Europe. During the post war period main issue was a high quality and well equipped housing with a hopeful perspective and glorious and idealistic ideas. In the last decade most of the designers and planners have improved their planning strategies for empowering the environmental, social, cultural, and economic impact of their designs. Sustainable design for nowadays and future generation and new planning policies are the most important factors in new planning processes. This research aims at investigating if sustainable large housing development can form strong communities in which residents enjoy high quality of design and life and environmental friendly neighborhoods. The re- search findings suggest that a sustainable urban development seems to be essential to a sustainable large housing development. The re- sults of the research show that physical environment in line with nature, cultural background, the sustainable use of space, and af-fordable dwelling leads to a worth living community design.

Mass Housing and Sustainability

The world population just passed 7 billion. Fear of growth towards 35 billion, if the “high fertility rate scenario” was maintained, is reduced. The “stable fertility rate scenario” is more likely, stabilising the population around 10 billion in 2050 (Le Monde Diplomatique, 2011). In 1987, as a response to the need for focusing on housing for the lower end of the cost scale, on homelessness, the United Nations chose 1987 to be “Year of Shelter for the Homeless”. An international architectural competition was organized. 123 architects from 44 countries competed in the final (UIA, 1987). Many proposals focused on energy challenges. This paper recoups the UN initiative 25 years ago. It contrasts the challenges of developing countries with those of the developed world, by studying examples from the North European cold climate's typical mass housing in Norway. One of the examples is from after the Second World War, when in 1948 attempts at building cheap housing was initiated. They met resistance from the establishments of engineers and architects (Hasselknippe, 1982). Another example is from 2012. The paper also studies an example from a South European cooling demanding climate, in France. The aim of the contrasting is to map the progress over the 65 years since 1948, discussing area- and material efficiency as well as methods of reducing costs and achieve a more sustainable mass housing development as signs of an environmental shift of paradigm emerge. Through the comparative analysis, the paper studies combination possibilities between the architecture that is built anyway for the upper cost segment and solutions for the lower cost segment. It explores and discusses if experiences and synergies between them can strengthen both and it proposes a way forward.

Paradoxes and Possibilities for a ‘Green’ Housing Sector: A Swedish Case

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

HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Sustainability of the built environment is an increasingly prominent concern in academic and policy discussions in the UK and EU. Initiatives such as the Code for Sustainable Homes in the UK have been developed to aid integration of sustainability principles into housing developments. Primary focus in this field has been largely on environmental sustainability (particularly energy efficiency) with less attention paid to social and economic factors. This article argues that health and well-being issues need greater consideration within current sustainable housing policy and developments. Three key reasons are presented in support of this argument: (i) Creation of greater market demand; public demand for sustainable buildings could be enhanced through greater promotion of the health and well-being benefits of sustainable housing: (ii) Time-scales; given the longevity of buildings, health considerations should be of paramount importance to avoid any possible future adverse effects: (iii) Indirect societal benefits; enhanced health and well-being can lead to wider societal and economic benefits such as lower healthcare costs. The paper then presents some of the seminal findings from health and housing literature review, outlining how these can be used to enhance sustainable housing policy and developments. The paper concludes by presenting the next stages of research.

Analisis Keruangan Kesesuaian Lahan untuk Permukiman di Kabupaten Bandung dan Bandung Barat

The objectives of research are: to evaluate land suitability for housing based on soil characteristics; and to propose policy on the sustainable housing development in Bandung and West Land Bandung District. The method used in the spatial analysis is descriptive method based on several i.e. on data description of a case, circumstances, attitudes, relationships or a system of thought that became the object of research. The result of research as follows: 41.76% at fine zone residential lands, 44.81% at moderate zone residential good lands. Result of analysis give alternatives policies as set up the standardization the building coverage ratio, limited the conservation area to residential lands and others, increasing the conservation funding for decreasing natural accident disaster as flood, landslides etc.

Land use Regulations Towards a Sustainable Urban Housing: Klang Valley Conurbation

Sustainability can be achieved through housing development as it could promote social equity, generate economic growth, and promote environmental conservation through its planning, construction, design and management. It is to be believed that the most fundamental aspect in achieving sustainability is through the planning system and development plans. The issue of non-compliance such as illegal change of land use zoning and conflicts in development plans are among others that affect sustainability in the housing sector. Therefore, the intend of this paper is to review how land use planning regulations such as Acts, development plans and planning guidelines may affect the achievement of a sustainable urban housing development in the Klang Valley.

Limits to decoupling strategies for sustainable housing development: the Hangzhou experience

Since the national urban housing reform in the 1990s, the Hangzhou Metropolitan Area in China has been experiencing a construction boom and an extraordinary growth of the residential building stock. Housing has made up an important part of the physical urban development and regional economic growth. The metropolitan area authorities aim to pursue sustainable housing development by adopting decoupling strategies emphasising efficient use of resources. However, in spite of these strategies, a study of Hangzhou's actual rates of decoupling between economic growth, housing sector growth and negative environmental impacts indicates only weak decoupling and a tendency of declining degrees of decoupling (if present at all) during the latest two decades. Limits of decoupling strategies for sustainable housing development are discussed in the light of these findings. The paper concludes with a recommendation to take growth containment into China's policies towards sustainable development, while at the same time guaranteeing a decent living standard among citizens.

Incorporating sustainable management system into housing development practice in Malaysia

This paper reviews the practice in sustainable management in housing development, which incorporates in Malaysia the urban planning organisation and sustainable housing development variables. The transition of a sustainable housing development is to ward off the constraints faced in the housing sector and to drive through the sustainable loop to undergo the evolution in the new housing era. The primary objective is to achieve the balance of a sustainability triple bottom line at the end of the result. The suggestion made is to use a system tool to manage housing development in Malaysia in a sustainable approach.

Influence of affluence on sustainable housing in Mysore, India

Mysore, the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, can be identified as an early adopter of sustainable design practices. Between 1903 and 1947 the use of local construction materials, the Swadeshi movement of 1905, robust planning and clear legislation resulted in sustainable urban development. However, post-colonial development fuelled by economic globalisation after the 1980s has transformed perceptions of the house among the growing middle class, becoming a commodity to demonstrate affluence and status. This paper examines the impact of changing social and cultural values on the aspirations of the growing middle classes on sustainable housing and neighbourhood development in Mysore. The methodology comprises literature and archive research to establish the historical content and review some important recent trends. Extensive fieldwork studies, including questionnaires over a wide range of participants (owners, builders and designers) and semi-structured interviews with key players, including academics, architects and government agencies. The focus of development has shifted from community to individual, from energy conserving to a more consumerist attitude in the procurement of materials and finishes. The paper examines the impact of these changes. The results of the survey are summarised and reviewed under the categories of communities, site, entrance, house layout and materials.

The Influence of Displacement to the Success of Sustainable Multi-Storey Housing Development for Low-Income Society in Urban Area: Case Study–Multi-Storey Housing in Jakarta

Multi-storey housing for low income society is a concept of redevelopment from many alternatives of housing development for slum in Jakarta. However, redevelopment directly or indirectly leads to displacement of low-income residents. The new residents would be of a higher socio-economic status than the previous occupants. For controlling this phenomenon, a study about the influence of displacement to the successful of sustainable multi-storey housing development for low-income society has been done with descriptive method, observation and literature study. The result of this study give knowledge that displacement always happened when the quality of building and environment is increase, the location of multi-storey housing is near city center and commercial area. Low income society voluntary displaced their units to middle or high income society, because they are not affordable for paying operational and maintenance costs. The government has to make regulations for controlling displacement on multi-storey housing for low-income society and for the successful of sustainable multi-storey housing development in urban area.

Sustainable Housing Development and Functionality of Planning Laws in Nigeria: the Case of Cosmopolitan Lagos

The phenomenal growth of our towns and cities has given rise to conurbation and metropolitan areas, with various planning problems such as traffic congestion, slum, shanty towns, waste management, housing, pollution, poverty and several others. There is no doubt that the impact of rapid population growth on housing development in a developing economy is usually a consequence of the push of the rural areas and the pull of the town. There is always an upsurge and conglomeration of people in city centres with the resultant effects on housing growth arising from acute unemployment. This growth and physical expansion of cities have been accompanied by unplanned urban sprawl, environmental pollution, deterioration, deficiencies in modern basic facilities, and general urban decay. As increased poverty and urbanization exert more pressures on urban facilities, most Nigerian cities tend to have lost their original dignity, social cohesion and administrative efficiency. Land Administration in Lagos State, over the last 25years cannot be described as being sustainable. Though, various tools might have been put in place concerning the administration of land, there are still a whole lot of problems being faced on and matters in the state.Planning for housing and setting standards for the regulation of building construction is a task that seems to overwhelm the relevant government authorities in Nigeria and other parts of the developing world. This paper therefore examines the planning laws and ordinances available in Nigeria, with specific reference to the new Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, the types and levels of the Planning Authorities and Agencies responsible for the implementation of the laws. It also appraises their activities so far in the area of implementation, their challenges and lastly, makes recommendation for improvement.

Improving health and energy efficiency through community-based housing interventions

Houses designed for one climate and cultural group may not be appropriate for other places and people. Our aim is to find cost-effective ways to improve the characteristics of older homes, ill-fitted for New Zealand's climate, in order to improve the occupants' health. We have carried out two community randomised trials, in partnership with local communities, which have focused on retrofitted insulation and more effective heating and have two other studies under way, one which focuses on electricity vouchers and the other on housing hazard remediation. The Housing, Insulation and Health Study showed that insulating 1,350 houses, built before insulation was required, improved the occupants' health and well being as well as household energy efficiency. In the Housing, Heating and Health Study we investigated the impact of installing more effective heating in insulated houses for 409 households, where there was a child with doctor-diagnosed asthma. Again, the study showed significant results in the intervention group; indoor temperatures increased and levels of NO(2) were halved. Children reported less poor health, lower levels of asthma symptoms and sleep disturbances by wheeze and dry cough. Children also had fewer days off school. Improving the energy efficiency of older housing leads to health improvements and energy efficiency improvements. Multidisciplinary studies of housing interventions can create compelling evidence to support policies for sustainable housing developments which improve health.

Stated Preferences for Sustainable Housing Development in Germany—A Latent Class Analysis

Despite enormous progress made in the resource-efficient housing construction as a result of technical innovation, market share of sustainable new housing development in Germany is still very low. There is a need for a demand-driven research approach to determine and exploit the potential for sustainable housing among private home buyers—the principal consumers of new housing in Germany. This study measures the preferences of German home buyers based on stated preferences survey data through the application of a discrete choice experiment. Using latent class analysis, the article identifies market segments of differing “environmental awareness” and corresponding preference heterogeneity. The results point to a latent demand for sustainable housing alternatives among private home buyers in Germany.

Cleveland's EcoVillage: green and affordable housing through a network alliance

This article presents a case study of the inter-organizational network that formed to produce four housing projects in Cleveland's EcoVillage designed to integrate social equity and ecological stewardship as the basis for neighborhood redevelopment. Our paper builds on concepts of community development and housing production through inter-organizational networks spanning nonprofit, public, and private organizations that developed and supported four “green” and affordable housing projects. We are interested in understanding how development of the housing projects changed and connected traditional neighborhood development and ecologically-oriented organizations and how their interaction changed the practice of housing production and environmental and sustainability advocacy locally and regionally. The results of the study reveal that the marriage of green and affordable housing in Cleveland, despite some challenges, was viewed as important and beneficial by the organizations involved, and resulted in a range of demonstration projects that not only changed the EcoVillage, but affected other neighborhood housing projects in Cleveland as well. The projects resulted in enhanced capacity for green housing production through creation of a new network of organizations spanning the housing and environmental sustainability fields of practice that continues to support sustainable housing and neighborhood development in Cleveland.

New strategy of upgrading slum areas in developing countries using vernacular trends to achieve a sustainable housing development

Abstract Vernacular architecture is surely a contradiction in terms. The vernacular is the unconscious work of craftsmen based on knowledge accumulated over generations the very opposite of architecture, which involves a premeditated design process with a conscious appeal to the intellect. Yet, the term is convenient shorthand to describe an approach that adopts the spirit of the vernacular; if not its actual forms it is not intended to indicate a new style. In fact, many of the architects featured here reject the concept of style. Instead, describe their intention to reflect by analogous inspiration the characteristics of local buildings, their scale in particular, whether they have chosen to concentrate on the use of materials, the landscape, the local culture or even no more than the idea of continuity with the past. According to what is seen nowadays in Egypt from increasing in the random self-built areas (slums areas), which is one of the main issues facing the development in developing countries, studies are trying to find out a way to help instead of depending on our governments all the time. And this paper will try to investigate the minimum parameters that are required to create vernacular urban spaces through proposing a new strategy for the slums upgrading projects by finding the similarities between vernacular urbanism and slums. By this way we could help the governments (especially in the third world countries) to find out a way to solve their housing problems through the rapid increase in population growth, without facing the troubles of the informal areas and slums phenomena and to achieve sustainable housing development depending on the concept of self-built enviorment

Sustainable Housing Development in Africa: Nigerian Perspective

The subject, 'Sustainable development' is relevant and applicable in all areas of development and management. Its grand characteristics are its abilities to enhance, protect as well as sustain growth in all ramification. This paper aims at defining sustainability or sustainable development by emphasizing the importance and implications of cultural values, which is believed to be a source of a sustainable development, by positioning 'cultural values' as a critical key to sustainable development in Africa. It seeks to promote the blend of low-cost indigenous practices and high technology of the contemporary building practices (trado-modern approach) for mass housing development for low income earners. In order address the ever growing concern of housing poverty, it is a vital necessity to review cultural legacies embedded in society. Sustainable strategies which dictate a new direction in this mainstream will bring a positive impact on the environmental, social and economic systems. The paper reviews literature on African developments in relation to low-income mass housing provision in Nigeria. It is relevant in sustainability in its emphasis on adherence to cultural values which is believed to be a pillar for sustaining any development. The paper is a developmental discourse on Nigerian perspective with an overview of Sub-Saharan Africa for low-cost (affordable) mass housing development. Key word: Africa; Nigeria; culture; Indigenous architecture; Sustainable development

The Implication of Global Economic Recession on Sustainable Housing in Lagos Megacity

This paper is a contribution to the pertinent discourse on the issue of global economic recession as it affects sustainable housing using the Lagos megacity as a case study. A global structural defect in the economy will eventually affect all the aspects of our lives and existence and as such must be studied, the effects understood and the likely impact on the environment particularly in the aspect of Sustainable Housing development be examined.In order to do this, a survey of 60 key players in the housing industry was conducted to examine the impact of the recession on sustainable housing and findings showed that the impact of the recession on house prices is significant but not severely great as there are still opportunities to be explored.Finally the paper is divided into five sections. The first section is the introduction while the second section is an overview of sustainable housing development and emergence of megacities; with the third section discussing the Lagos Megacity and the state of housing. The survey conducted with results and discussion is presented in the fourth section and the paper concludes in the fifth section with the recommendation of strategies to mitigate the effect of the recession on sustainable housing.

Developing an Assessment Framework for Affordable and Sustainable Housing

Sustainable housing has been subject to research, practice and policy making for some considerable time. More recently attention has been drawn to the separate problem of declining affordability in housing. This paper describes research aimed at developing an assessment framework for both affordability and sustainability as part of the effort to incorporate both of these features into new housing projects. The research has a particular focus on developments aimed at urban densification. Background literature on both affordability and sustainability is reviewed as well as emerging schemes aimed at dealing with both aspects of housing developments. Performance indicators are identified and these are incorporated in an interim assessment framework which is tested using a group of industry experts. The research has highlighted areas where further development is required to attain quantitative assessments of affordable and sustainable housing developments