Can Green Construction Help in the Fight Against Homelessness?

Building a Better Tomorrow with Better Building Practices

The challenge of homelessness is a persistent and growing issue worldwide. According to the United Nations, over 100 million people are homeless globally, with over a billion more living in inadequate housing. In England alone, estimates range from 220,000 homeless people up to north of 300,000 — and that’s ‘core’ homelessness, which doesn’t show the complete picture.

As cities grapple with this crisis, the need for new solutions has never been more apparent. Governments, charities, companies and individuals have all fought against the issue for decades - it’s time to think differently. To that end, I assert that green construction offers a unique opportunity to address both homelessness and environmental sustainability, creating housing solutions that are affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly.

Understanding the intersection of homelessness and environmental sustainability

I know what you’re likely thinking. Homelessness is a problem. Environmental destruction is another problem. Both of them are important, but what’s the link?

The answer is in how we tackle these issues.

The current state of homelessness

A lack of shelter may define homelessness, but it’s a complex social issue that encompasses economic instability, health challenges and systemic inequality. In many cities, the demand for affordable housing far outstrips supply, leaving vulnerable populations without a safe place to live. Rising living costs, stagnant wages and the ongoing effects of the global financial crisis exacerbate this situation.

Homelessness in the UK affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. From families with children to elderly individuals, the lack of secure housing creates a ripple effect that impacts every aspect of life. As a result, to address homelessness, we need more than temporary shelters; it calls for sustainable, long-term solutions that provide stability and dignity.

The environmental impact of traditional housing

Traditional housing construction is one of the most resource-intensive activities, contributing significantly to environmental degradation. The production and use of building materials like concrete and steel result in high levels of carbon emissions, while construction processes generate substantial waste. The energy required to heat, cool, and power buildings also heavily burden the environment, contributing to climate change.

As cities continue to expand, the environmental toll of traditional housing becomes increasingly unsustainable, and the need to find alternatives that reduce construction's carbon footprint while providing adequate shelter is urgent.

Green Architecture offers a path forward by integrating environmentally responsible practices with the need for affordable housing.

The opportunity for synergy

Green architecture — designing and building structures with sustainability in mind — presents an innovative approach to tackling homelessness. We have an opportunity to merge environmental responsibility with social impact, creating housing that is not only affordable but also environmentally sustainable.

How green construction helps the homeless

To effectively address homelessness through green construction, several key principles must be integrated into the design and construction of housing solutions.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of green architecture. Buildings that minimise energy consumption work to reduce both environmental impact and living costs (an absolute essential in this day and age). Key strategies include:

● Passive Solar Heating: Using natural sunlight to heat spaces reduces the need for artificial heating systems. Large, strategically placed windows, along with proper insulation, can trap heat during the day and release it slowly at night, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature with minimal energy use.

● High-Performance Insulation: Proper insulation is essential for maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This lowers energy bills and creates a more comfortable living environment.

● Energy-Efficient Appliances: Installing energy-efficient appliances (fridges, ovens, and water heaters, for example) can significantly reduce domestic energy consumption. These appliances are designed to perform the same functions as traditional models while using less energy.

Sustainable materials

The choice of building materials has a profound impact on the sustainability of a housing project. Using eco-friendly materials reduces the environmental footprint of construction and ensures that housing is both durable and affordable.

● Recycled Steel: Steel is a durable and versatile building material, but its production is energy-intensive. Using recycled steel reduces the demand for new raw materials and the energy required for production, making it a more sustainable choice.

● Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is strong, flexible, and suitable for a variety of construction applications. Its rapid growth rate and low environmental impact make it an ideal material for sustainable housing.

● Low-Carbon Concrete: Traditional concrete production is a major source of carbon emissions. Low-carbon concrete, made with alternative binders or recycled materials, reduces these emissions while maintaining the strength and durability needed for housing construction.

Water conservation

Water conservation is another critical aspect of green architecture — by integrating water-saving technologies, we can reduce water consumption and lower utility costs for residents.

● Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and toilet flushing. This reduces the demand for water supplies and helps lower water bills.

● Installing low-flow taps, showers and toilets reduces water usage without sacrificing functionality. These fixtures are designed to use less water per use, significantly cutting down on overall consumption.

● Greywater recycling systems treat and reuse water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for purposes like irrigation. This reduces the amount of freshwater used and lowers the strain on local water infrastructure.

Modular and prefabricated construction

Modular and prefabricated construction methods offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach to quickly and efficiently building housing. These methods involve manufacturing building components off-site and assembling them on location, reducing construction time and waste.

Modular construction allows for faster project completion, which is essential when addressing urgent housing needs. The off-site manufacturing process ensures that construction can continue regardless of weather conditions, reducing delays. Manufacturing components in controlled environments means that there is less material waste than traditional construction methods. This not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers costs.

This type of construction is also easily scalable, allowing for the rapid expansion of housing solutions in response to growing demand. This flexibility is particularly valuable in addressing homelessness, where the need for housing can outpace the availability of traditional construction methods.

Next actions

Green construction and architecture offers a solution to the dual challenges of homelessness and environmental sustainability. With the right support, collaboration, and commitment, we can scale these solutions to create a future where everyone can access safe, sustainable housing — something that a great many of us are fortunate to be able to take for granted.

The path forward is clear: embracing green architecture can build a better tomorrow for both people and the planet.

The time to act is now, and the potential for positive change is immense.

It's time to commit to creating a world where no one is without a home and where every home contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future.