Sustainability in Social Housing Development.
The shortage of affordable housing has become a pressing issue in many cities around the world and this is mostly due to urbanization and population growth. Social housing plays a crucial role in addressing this issue and ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate housing. However, it is also important that these housing developments are sustainable and take into consideration the economic, environmental, and social perspectives. This paper aims to explore the importance of sustainability in social housing development and the ways in which it can be achieved from these three perspectives.
The concept of sustainability has gained significant importance in recent years and has become a central theme in urban development, including housing. Social housing, in particular, plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of affordable housing and ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate housing. To meet the current and future needs of residents while preserving the environment, it is essential that social housing development incorporates sustainability principles (Dahal & Das, 2018).
The incorporation of sustainability principles in social housing development helps to reduce the environmental impact of housing and improve the quality of life of residents.
Sustainability principles:
Refer to a set of guidelines that prioritize the protection of the environment and the well-being of communities while balancing economic development. In social housing development, sustainability principles can be incorporated into various aspects of the development process, including design, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenance.
One of the key principles of sustainability in social housing development is the use of environmentally friendly building materials and technologies. This can include the use of materials with low embodied energy, the implementation of energy-efficient systems, and the adoption of renewable energy sources (Kibert, 2016). The incorporation of green spaces and landscaping can also contribute to the environmental sustainability of social housing developments, as well as provide benefits for residents such as improved mental and physical health (Friedman, 2014).
Another important principle of sustainability in social housing development is the consideration of social and cultural diversity in housing design (Dastbaz, Kistan & Tekkaya, 2013). This can include the provision of essential services and facilities, such as healthcare and education, as well as the promotion of social interaction and community building (Hayden, 2016). The provision of safe and accessible housing can also have significant impacts on the health and well-being of residents (Lavender & Mitchell, 2015).
In addition to the environmental and social benefits, sustainable social housing development can also have economic benefits. For example, the use of cost-effective and energy-efficient building materials and technologies can result in lower operational costs, while the adoption of renewable energy sources can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to energy independence (Hamdi & El-Fadel, 2009).
Incorporating sustainability principles into social housing development is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability, both for the environment and for the well-being of communities. A holistic approach that takes into account economic, environmental, and social perspectives is necessary to ensure that social housing developments are sustainable, affordable, and accessible for all citizens.
The world’s population is projected to continue its upward trend, with a current count of 7.6 billion people and estimated growth to 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a report from the United Nations (2019). Despite a decline in fertility rates, the population is expected to increase by an estimated 83 million people annually. This population growth is putting significant pressure on the availability of affordable housing, particularly in urban areas. The shortage of affordable housing has become a critical issue, and it is imperative to find sustainable solutions that address this problem while also ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate housing.