Sustainable Housing Policy Research Articles

Uncovering the determinants of bottom-up CO2 emissions among households in Türkiye: Analysis and policy recommendations

Amid escalating global concerns surrounding climate change, the transportation sector has garnered the attention of stakeholders. Double-hurdle censored models were employed in this study to elucidate the relationship between the probability of private fuel expenditure and expenditure levels and household characteristics to determine the factors contributing to household-based CO2 emissions. Remarkably, nearly two-thirds of the 38 factors examined contributed to the emitters, and almost all emitters were identified as statistically significant. This alarming situation underscores the importance of formulating family based green transformation policies. If successful, these policies can ignite transformative momentum. Consequently, understanding household transportation expenditure from a bottom-up perspective can provide invaluable insights into crafting a comprehensive set of top-line policy recommendations for innovation and marketing strategies in the transport and energy sectors. Measures such as incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles through economic incentives, expanding public transportation networks, and implementing sustainable housing policies have immense potential to effectively reduce private fuel expenditure. When implemented holistically, these strategies can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

A systematic review on the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in housing delivery in Africa

Purpose The study aims to examine the potential benefits of integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) in the housing sector. Design/methodology/approach The approach adopted was a systematic literature review aided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews criteria and the VOSviewer software. Abductive reasoning was used to analyze the collected data, which was then subjected to content analysis through an iterative read-and-review procedure. Findings The study identified green walls, indoor greenery, porous pavement and landscaping, rainwater harvesting and water purification and green roofs as elements of buildings where NbS should be incorporated. Although nature-based research on integrated greenery facades and roof applications was noted, rainwater harvesting and water purification-oriented research remained dominant. These findings demonstrate the advantages of implementing NbS in the housing sector, including energy efficiency, environmental development, flood prevention and sustainable water management. Integrating NbS into housing designs can considerably contribute to the creation of more resilient, eco-friendly and comfortable living environments. However, the adoption of NbS faces hurdles, including a lack of awareness, limited policy support and economic constraints. Practical implications This study recommends that NbS be mainstreamed into housing development and knowledge exchange opportunities between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, as well as other regions, to promote the adoption of NbS through research and collaborations. Also, it contributes to the discourse of sustainable affordable housing in the Global South while addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 13 and 15. This study offers valuable guidance to stakeholders, thereby fostering the development of more sustainable and resilient housing practices and policies. Originality/value The study used VOSviewer software visualization to identify structural patterns and track prominent research frontiers, allowing for a more thorough yet concise mapping and capture of a scientific knowledge domain.

A REVIEW ON SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN INDIA: ONE STEP TO BUILD A GOOD ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT

Affordable housing, economic growth, and environmental protection are India's urban development priorities. The housing sector of India holds the third largest position among other industries. India needs inexpensive, sustainable housing for economic and environmental reasons. The definition of affordable housing has been discussed as given by the government schemes and authorities. Urbanisation, infrastructure, and housing shortages affect India's housing business. According to a government technical study from 2011, there was an 18.76-million-unit shortfall in metropolitan areas, with 96% of those units belonging to EWS and LIG. However, it doesn’t consider nondurable and rental houses, which further increases the housing demand. To address such issues, the central government has launched various sustainable affordable housing policies to integrate sustainability, affordability, and inclusion into architecture and construction. ‘Housing for all’ is one of the government schemes launched in June 2015 which promotes affordable housing and technology in the sector. Housing and allied industries play a significant role to boost GDP, jobs, and communities. Energy-efficient technology, waste management, green spaces, and sustainable building reduce housing developments' environmental impact. These activities reduce carbon emissions and strengthen urban climate change resilience, saving the environment. The research stresses social inclusion to provide affordable housing to low-income, women, and vulnerable people. Housing inclusivity promotes equity in the society. India's sustainable, affordable housing schemes are analysed, and gaps are identified. Public-private partnerships, subsidies, and governments encourage sustainable housing. Finally, affordable housing benefits India's economy and environment. This study underlines the necessity to incorporate economic, environmental, and social factors into housing laws and practices to solve India's housing crisis. It further mentions Sustainable, affordable housing will boost India's economy, environment, and the quality of life holistically.

Improving shelter conditions by implementing sustainable housing policies

With increasing global awareness of the application of sustainability and its importance in preserving resources and the ability of future generations to access them, implementing sustainability has become a necessary issue. The housing sector is considered one of the largest energy consumers. Multiple reasons, such as displacement, forced deportation, and a continuation of the conflict, increased the need for housing to shelter the needy. Non-governmental organizations played an important role in helping the needy by establishing housing projects to shelter them. These projects are considered unsustainable for many reasons, such as assault on agricultural land, cutting down trees, not treating wastewater, the absence of sustainable housing principles, etc. This paper aims to address the problem by finding basic points that contribute to developing a sustainable housing policy that can be applied to future shelter projects. To reach the goal of the research, quantitative data was used to find out the opinions of housing and shelter specialists through a questionnaire that was designed according to data summarized from previous studies and formulated according to the five axes of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was then presented to 100 participants, after which the data was analyzed according to the application of the Social Statistical Package (SPSS) and the results were discussed. Providing recommendations for the importance of sustainable housing policies to achieve sustainable shelter, the establishment of a higher council for housing, updating laws, securing appropriate land, encouraging scientific research, and abolishing taxes.

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.

Synthesizing implications of a collaborative project on socially sustainable housing policies for the aging population

ObjectiveBased on findings from four transdisciplinary original research studies on housing issues for the aging population, whereof three had a particular focus on marginalized groups, we report a co-produced synthesis of implications from a collaborative research project on socially sustainable housing policies. Researchers and non-academic partners in the ongoing Thematic Collaboration Initiative Social Rights and Housing for the Aging Population at Lund University collaborated in co-creative activities aiming at policy recommendations.ResultsSeven types of implications (i.e., themes) that represent macro and meso level approaches with potential to generate impact on social rights and housing for the aging population were identified. The content of legislation and regulations, financial institution strategies, and housing and neighbourhood development exemplify macro level implications. The three themes education and training, communicating with a diversity of stakeholders, and communicating with the public all relate to an overall need for integrated knowledge translation. The theme involving older adults as a resource delivered insight into underutilized capacities of the diverse target group. As the quest for integrated knowledge translation is growing stronger, this research note contributes to development of co-production approaches to synthesize implications of transdisciplinary collaboration, connecting research, practice and policy on societal challenges that ay population aging.

SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE STRUCTURAL MODEL IN HOME OWNERSHIP

Home is a basic human need. Every year, the government is responsible for enacting a more sustainable and inclusive housing policy to ensure the adequate provision, quality and affordable housing to meet the needs of the growing sustainable communities. The aim of the current research is to analyse affordability as a mediator in the relationship between economic, social and environmental factors towards the need for home ownership among civil servants in Klang Valley. Path Analysis and Boostrapping through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are used to see the relationship and influence between sustainability and affordability variables. There is a significant relationship between all elements of affordability with economic, social and environmental factors. Mediation effect (mediator) for the element of affordability that is tested in the construct relationship between economic, social and environmental factors on the need for home ownership. Finally, this study succeeded in forming a sustainable affordable structural model in home ownership.

Housing and urbanization policies of Istanbul, Turkey from central to the local

ABSTRACT Global economic restructuring since the 1970s, and the rollback of the welfare state in the Global North has been a major contributor to a reduction in the affordable housing stock. Similarly in the so-called Global South recent economic development has been accompanied by a lack of sustainable affordable housing and housing policies. In this short paper, I aim to analyse important policy papers from the central government of Turkey and local government of Istanbul focusing on the housing policies. I will use content and policy analysis to examine the legal and policy framework in the city of Istanbul and compare this with what is happening on the ground. These policy papers include Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Strategical Plan (2020–2024), Turkey 11th 5 year Development Plan Housing Politics (2019–2023), Urban Development Strategy (2010–2023) and Istanbul Regional Plan (2014–2023).

Sustainable urban housing policies in the era of post-covid climate change mitigation

ABSTRACT This paper briefly reviews recent and current approaches to the formulation and implementation of urban housing policies in towns and cities in the global South, with emphasis on local government-community participation and partnerships. It looks ahead into the implications of the lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and tenets of climate change that will constitute the ‘New Normal’.

Critical Junctures in Sustainable Social Housing Policy Development in Saudi Arabia: A Review

Historicising social housing delivery approach is extensively carried out for Western countries, but studies of social housing policy journey are less focused on developing nations and examining the policy development within resource-abundant Middle Eastern countries is even rarer. Applying a critical juncture approach through the historical institutionalism lens, this paper seeks to understand the evolution of social housing policies within the Saudi Arabian context. An in-depth policy review suggests that the institutional response in this sector has transitioned from a public-welfare perspective to a more neoliberal vision in recent times. The study also indicates a time-lag in policy development regarding social housing within the urban development process in Saudi Arabia compared to global movement. During the past few years, the government has begun to focus on social housing under the developmental housing program with a commitment to link these strategies to the Saudi Vision 2030. While this is a significant policy-shift in the service delivery approach, such vision could be workable as long as sufficient room is built in for other non-government actors to work within their specific protocols and frameworks as they collaborate to provide affordable and appropriate housing for the neediest groups of the society.

Low-Income Earners Housing Affordability Issues in Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Approaches

Studies have revealed that the proportion of persons displaced owing to housing is growing significantly. This affects developing countries like Nigeria and other similar African countries. Low-income earners (LIEs) are observed to be severely afflicted by this global threat. The LIEs who are said to account for more than 90 percent of Nigeria's population have been alleged to live in slums, blighted areas, and unplanned settlements. This study investigates sustainable approaches to addressing LIEs' housing affordability issues in Nigeria. This study is based on a systematic review of relevant literature, and its findings show that sustainable options for addressing Nigerian LIEs' housing affordability difficulties are examined using technological, institutional, economic, social, and environmental approaches to sustainable housing affordability (SHA). This paper urges the government, stakeholders, policymakers, and property developers in Nigeria and other developing nations to implement sustainable housing policies for low-income housing affordability. It contributes to the frontiers of knowledge by providing helpful information on low-income housing provision, challenges of affordability, sustainability, and management approaches, and at the same time, gives direction to research interest on low-income housing in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Exploring housing policies in five Swedish municipalities: alternatives and priorities

IntroductionHousing shortage due to population growth within metropolitan areas, combined with an ageing population, has put pressure on current housing provision in Sweden. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable housing policies to accommodate the growing number of seniors in accessible home environments. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how municipalities currently address housing accessibility issues and to explore what types of policy solutions they consider for the future.Material and methodsFive Swedish municipalities were selected to represent a diversity of the population, housing provision approaches, and geographical areas. To understand current housing policies, two key actors (e.g. public officials, housing adaptation grant managers, city architects, etc.) from each municipality participated in semi-structured interviews (N = 10). Subsequently, those key actors, two senior citizens, and three researchers participated in a research circle to explore future policy solutions. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe interviews revealed common approaches to deal with housing accessibility issues such as regular renovations and maintenance, individual adaptations based on specific needs, and seeking collaboration with private housing actors on housing provision matters. Possible measures suggested for the future included increasing the national coordination of housing accessibility policies, amending legislation to only allow the construction of housing according to strengthened accessibility standards, and introducing economic incentives for seniors to move from housing with poor accessibility to more accessible accommodations.ConclusionsMunicipalities struggle with the lack of accessible and affordable housing for their ageing population, despite a large variety of policies from economic incentives to research and development policies. The results suggest that collaboration needs to be improved between all actors involved in housing policies. Preventive measures within the current laws may be needed to strengthen the construction of more accessible and affordable housing for populations ageing in place.

Residents’ Opinions on Apartment Living in Lahore, Pakistan

Vertical growth is viewed as the solution to the problem of urban housing. The present study aims to be multifocal in approaching the phenomenon of apartment living in Lahore, Pakistan. The primary focus of the research was to evaluate the satisfaction with and favorability of vertical living among the dwellers; however, the research was extended to include the in-depth experiences of adolescents regarding privacy because it was observed that this age group was being neglected severely in the distribution of privacy in apartments, as well as in research. The data was first collected from 150 respondents through a survey, and then interviews of 10 adolescents were conducted to explore notion of privacy. The findings highlight that, despite being satisfied with the infrastructural aspects of the building, the residents do not prefer vertical living over horizontal housing. The adolescents in apartments also prefer horizontal housing over vertical living to avoid the feeling of crowdedness that is associated with vertical growth due to shared space and proximity. The utilization of spaces within apartments is associated with certain elements of development of the personality during this age. The findings of the present study can be helpful for sustainable vertical housing policy development and implementation.

Філософія сталого розвитку як дороговказ для формування сучасної державної житлової політики

The purpose of the study is to make proposals on the need to rethink at the philosophical level the paradigms of sustainable development strategy in the field of housing policy and develop guidelines for housing strategy in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Methodology. The methodological tools were chosen taking into account the purpose, specifics of the subject and object of research, through a systematic comparative legal analysis of international instruments in the field of sustainable development and housing policy. Modeling of guiding principles taking into account the main postulates of sustainable development. Scientific novelty. In connection with the implementation of a number of international acts in Ukraine, in the field of sustainable development, there is a need in determining, at the scientific level, the possibility of their practical implementation and understanding of their essence and impact on society at the philosophical and legal level. Conclusions.International organizations consider sustainable development as the main ideology of the third millennium, and international regulations identify the problem of providing citizens with housing as one of the problems on the path to sustainable development and call on countries to develop housing strategies aimed at implementing housing policies that will regulate the issue of providing decent housing for all. Keywords: sustainable development; guidelines; housing strategy; housing policy; sufficient housing; affordable housing; decent housing; housing rights.

Study Protocol: Social Capital as a Resource for the Planning and Design of Socially Sustainable and Health Promoting Neighborhoods- A Mixed Method Study.

Introduction: Promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals ratified in 2015 by 193 UN member states, not least in Sweden. Social sustainability involves preserving particular societal values (e.g., local identity) as well as developing values (e.g., social cohesion) that are perceived as needed. Socially sustainable development also implies promoting integration and preventing segregation. Social capital is one important indicator to measure how socially sustainable an area is. This project aims to explore how social capital can be used as a conceptual tool in developing housing policy for social sustainability in Umeå Municipality.Methods: The three sub-studies in this project combine quantitative and qualitative methods. We will conduct a review of the municipality's documents to understand how the ideas of social sustainability have influenced political declarations and implemented social and housing policies and interventions during the period 2006–2020. The quantitative study includes a longitudinal follow-up to the 2006 survey's respondents to assess the longitudinal impacts of neighborhood social capital on health and well-being; as well as a new repeated cross-sectional survey to investigate how social capital has changed in local neighborhoods from 2006 to 2020. The qualitative study includes case studies in neighborhoods with different social capital dynamics to understand how different resident sub-groups perceive their neighborhoods and how implemented social and housing policies have influenced the social capital dynamics and responded to the needs of different sub-groups. The project is run in close collaboration with the Commission for a Socially Sustainable Umeå.Discussions: This project will create new and unique perspectives on long-term structural changes of relevance for a socially sustainable housing policy; knowledge that is highly valuable for continuous municipal planning; and will outline recommendations to guide local housing policies for social sustainable neighborhoods in Umeå Municipality.Ethics: This study has been assessed and approved by the Swedish Ethics Review Authority (Dnr: 2019-04395; Dnr: 2020-00160; Dnr 2020-02757).Dissemination: The dissemination goals of this project are (1) sustained engagement of key stakeholders throughout the project and (2) dissemination of the research findings through popular science, conferences, and scientific papers.

CAPACIDADES ESTRATÉGICAS PARA EL DISEÑO Y GESTIÓN DE POLÍTICAS INTEGRALES Y SOSTENIBLES DE HÁBITAT EN MUNICIPIOS ARGENTINOS

The urban-housing issue is of great importance in determining poverty. Although the municipalities are the state level in charge of territorial regulation, the historical insufficiency of housing policies is strongly associated not only with the conditions, but with the capacities available in these areas.This work, supported by descriptive-explanatory post-doctoral research and case studies, investigates the strategic institutional capacities necessary in Argentine local governments for the design and management of comprehensive and sustainable housing policies, appropriate to existing needs. Minimum indicators are also proposed to account for them at the local level.Thus, the aim is to contribute to the improvement of urban-housing management capacities at the municipal level.

Capacidades estratégicas para el diseño y gestión de políticas integrales y sostenibles de hábitat en municipios argentinos

The urban-housing issue is of great importance in determining poverty. Although the municipalities are the state level in charge of territorial regulation, the historical insufficiency of housing policies is strongly associated not only with the conditions, but with the capacities available in these areas.This work, supported by descriptive-explanatory post-doctoral research and case studies, investigates the strategic institutional capacities necessary in Argentine local governments for the design and management of comprehensive and sustainable housing policies, appropriate to existing needs. Minimum indicators are also proposed to account for them at the local level.Thus, the aim is to contribute to the improvement of urban-housing management capacities at the municipal level.

Residential vulnerability and the housing question: a social and spatial-oriented analysis for the Andalusia metropolitan areas

The mismatch between basic household needs and the conditions and characteristics of dwellings is at the centre of residential vulnerability. According to the guidelines established in the international and national level, this paper aims to apply a two-dimensional perspective in urban and housing research. Indeed, the concept of residential vulnerability is used to address, jointly, the areas and social groups at risk due to housing characteristics and conditions. By analysing 2011 Population and Housing Census data, three indicators were developed, linking physical housing conditions to relevant social dimensions. This integrated perspective is used to identify the size and range of residential vulnerability situations brought about by the physical characteristics of dwellings and how they link to relevant social dimensions in the Andalusia metropolitan system. Results revealed significant deficiencies in housing conditions, yielding different impacts by metropolitan area and social group. Although the reported problems did not affect a sizeable proportion of the population, they proved relevant given the severity of the issues addressed and the social groups involved. These shortcomings should constitute a priority for sustainable housing policies and urban plans.

Satisfaction Assessment of Housing Users in Tripoli – Libya

Most communities, especially professionals such as architects, infrastructural engineers and city planners, pay particular attention to sustainable housing, which is important for housing development as the first place in which people spend most of their time. In addition, residential buildings cover more than 50% of the total area of any city in Libya. For the city of Tripoli as a case study, the growth of the city has increased due to the growth of the Libyan economy as well as due to high oil prices during the 1970s. As a result, there has been an increase in natural population growth as well as migration from neighbouring cities. To accommodate population growth, governments have implemented a number of development projects, particularly in the housing sector. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the satisfaction of housing users in accordance with the previous housing policies of successive Libyan governments. The data was collected by means of questionnaires concerning the social aspects of housing occupants and their suitability for the Libyan family both currently and in the future. Moreover, there remains the question of what characteristics should be taken into account when implementing future housing projects. The study included cases of housing projects implemented for the purpose of assessing the satisfaction of users with projects to implement the principles of “Sustainable Housing.” The survey included four residential projects carried out in the city of Tripoli for the research. The sites are: (i) Airport Road East Housing Project (ii) Al Hadba Khdra Housing Project (iii) Ghot Ash-Ahaal Housing Project (iv) Souq-Atolata (North) Housing Project. The paper also aims to benefit from the study results for the implementation of the “Sustainable Housing Policy in Libya: A Case Study of Tripoli” for the purpose of applying the principles of social sustainability to housing, especially in Tripoli and Libya in general. Additionally, this paper will be useful for planning and architectural professionals.

Housing Policy in Slovakia

The need for housing is the basic physiological need of a person. The level of satisfaction of housing needs corresponds to the degree of socio-economic development of the given society. The basic criteria are the quality of housing, the availability of housing, the type of ownership, the possibility of purchasing own housing, the financial support and the financial possibilities of the individual / household. A suitable market environment created by the state is also a prerequisite for satisfying the need for housing. The mission of the state is to create an appropriate market environment that combines economic, social and environmental factors. This is the concept of sustainable housing. The analysis focuses on Slovakia and deals in more detail with responsibility and the position of self-government/municipalities in the context of Slovak housing policy. The paper is processed by using a wide scale of the scientific methods and procedures. The first part is based on preparation and explanation of key terms, such as the housing policy, concept of sustainable housing and state housing policy in Slovakia. The paper was elaborated on the basis of a study of related legislation, in particular the Act on the State Fund for Housing Development and the Concept of State Housing Policy - the State Document for the Housing Area. Methodology contains of identification of research assumptions, as well as methods and sources used in the paper. Results part consists of the main findings and is prepared by using a comparative and causal analysis. Statistical data was used to analyse the current state of housing in Slovakia. Prospects housing development in Slovakia are developed by the resulting trends and processing the statistics and are presented at the end of paper.