Advisory Center for Affordable Settlements & Housing

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Document Type General
Publish Date 21/10/2021
Author Global Policy and Influence team at Reall
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Edited By Sayef Hussain
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Affordable Housing: A Route to Climate Mitigation & Resilience

Affordable Housing: A Route to Climate Mitigation & Resilience

The intersection of affordable housing and climate mitigation is increasingly recognized as a critical area for sustainable development. As cities grapple with the dual challenges of a housing crisis and climate change, the provision of affordable housing emerges not only as a social necessity but also as a vital strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience.

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The Housing Crisis

In many regions, particularly in the United States, there is a severe shortage of affordable housing options. Low-income households, especially those classified as extremely low-income (ELI), often spend more than half of their income on rent, leaving little for other essentials. This situation is compounded by the fact that many affordable housing units are outdated, lacking modern energy-efficient designs and necessary infrastructure such as tree cover and green spaces. Consequently, these homes contribute disproportionately to energy consumption—housing accounts for nearly 40% of total energy use and approximately 13% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. alone.

Further reading:
Affordable Housing = Fighting Climate Change climatecabineteducation
The Benefits of Climate-Resilient Housinghousingmatters.urban.org › articles › ben… housingmatters.urban

Climate Resilience through Housing

Investing in affordable housing can significantly contribute to climate resilience. By upgrading existing housing stock to meet modern efficiency standards, communities can reduce their overall carbon footprint while simultaneously providing safe and stable living conditions for residents. For instance, retrofitting older buildings with energy-efficient systems not only lowers utility bills for tenants but also enhances the durability of these structures against climate-related disasters.The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides various incentives, including tax credits and rebates for electrification and energy-efficient upgrades, which can help property owners make necessary improvements. Local governments are encouraged to leverage these resources to support low- and moderate-income households in accessing energy-efficient homes.

The Role of Density in Climate Mitigation

High-density housing developments are inherently more sustainable than single-family homes due to their lower per-unit emissions. Policies that promote the construction of affordable multi-family units can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and energy use. For example, studies suggest that increasing urban density can cut carbon emissions from residential travel by nearly 48% and reduce home energy use by 35%. This shift not only addresses housing shortages but also aligns with broader climate goals.

Innovative Approaches

Organizations like the Triple Bottom Line Foundation are actively working to green affordable housing by funding sustainable retrofits for multifamily properties. These initiatives include weatherization improvements, solar installations, and health-focused upgrades that enhance living conditions while lowering energy costs. Such projects illustrate how investments in sustainable housing can yield significant savings—over $6.4 million in utility bill savings projected from recent retrofits—while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.Moreover, partnerships between public entities, private developers, and non-profits are crucial for implementing effective climate-resilient housing strategies. For instance, Habitat for Humanity has highlighted successful collaborations that leverage local resources to build safe, sustainable homes in informal settlements.

Conclusion

The provision of affordable housing is not merely a social issue; it is a critical component of climate action. By prioritizing investments in energy-efficient and resilient housing solutions, communities can address pressing social needs while contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change. As governments worldwide strive to meet their climate targets, integrating affordable housing initiatives into broader sustainability strategies will be essential for creating equitable and resilient urban environments. In doing so, they will not only improve living conditions for millions but also foster healthier communities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

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