Demystifying the Road Towards Green and Resilient Housing (Short Version)

by Olivia Nielsen Principal, Miyamoto International , Thierno-Habib Hann Managing Director/CEO, Shelter Afrique

The spotlight has finally shifted towards the built environment, recognizing its pivotal role as low-hanging fruit in the quest for both climate mitigation and adaptation. Over the next 30 years, the world will require as many houses as have been built in the last 6,000 years. Most of these homes will be in Africa and Asia. Africa alone has a deficit of more than 50 million housing units and is?growing. If we were to address this large deficit with traditional brick-and-mortar construction methods, the carbon footprint would be unprecedented, equally negating other decarbonization efforts. However, this unprecedented urbanization presents both a challenge and an opportunity. To secure a sustainable future for Africa and Asia’s burgeoning cities, there’s a critical need to invest in green housing. The key determinant influencing the sustainability of these homes is not so much the operational energy that they expend but rather the broader—and more complex— ecological footprint shaped by two key considerations: location and materials.

Location, Location, Location: The Urban-Centric Approach

The lion's share of carbon emissions in emerging economies is intricately linked to the location of homes and the daily commutes they necessitate. Thus, our primary directive for sustainable housing becomes clear: build where it counts, close to urban centers. A home that allows residents to walk, cycle, or take short, efficient commutes to work significantly reduces the carbon impact associated with daily mobility. Encouraging urban-centric growth necessitates diverse strategies such as unlocking state-owned land for new affordable housing construction, providing incentives for developers (e.g., density bonuses), infill development, adaptive reuse, urban regeneration, and more.

Material Matters: Embodied Energy and Long-Term Durability

Beyond location, we must recognize the influential role played by the energy embodied in construction materials. From 2020-2060, Asia and Africa are expected to account for over 75% of global building material emissions, with the greatest emissions increase occurring in low- and lower-middle-income areas. Remarkably, the energy used in manufacturing construction materials can surpass decades of energy consumption within the home. Emissions linked to material extraction, transport, on-site construction/installation, maintenance, and disposal are often overlooked but are pivotal in understanding the genuine environmental impact of development. The second directive comes to light: build with resilience and long-term durability. Besides leveraging locally sourced materials and more efficient technologies where possible, quality construction practices and integration into well-planned urban fabrics will help build homes that stand the test of time. This will, in turn, minimize the need for reconstruction, protect lives against future natural hazards, and preserve the carbon already invested in their creation.

Reaping the Benefits

The dividends of green, urban-centric, resilient, affordable housing are abundant. Such homes reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions,?promote economic opportunity, foster community cohesion, and enhance overall quality of life.?Moreover, a community that endures for generations becomes a bedrock of stability and prosperity.

The Collective Responsibility

Cultivating sustainable cities is a collective responsibility. Architects, urban planners, financiers, policymakers, and communities have crucial roles. By embracing innovative designs, sustainable materials, and forward-thinking yet well-coordinated policies, we can pave the way for a future where affordable housing not only provides shelter but also nurtures sustainability, resilience, and prosperity for all.

In summary, the green affordable housing paradigm for Asia and Africa surpasses mere retrofitting of existing structures; it requires instead a suite of cross-cutting, multi-disciplinary solutions that will build thriving communities amid rapid urbanization and a changing climate. Prioritizing location, materials, and long-term resilience in housing development will allow us to reduce carbon emissions and promote vibrant, inclusive, and enduring societies. The journey towards green affordable housing begins with recognizing that, in these regions, sustainability and growth are inseparable.

Shelter Afrique is the sole Panafrican Multilateral DFI that exclusively finances sustainable,?affordable housing and urban development in Africa.

Miyamoto International is a leading global authority in the field of disaster and post-conflict reconstruction for both infrastructure and communities. With a track record of responding to more than 100 global disasters, we specialize in crafting recovery strategies that benefit the public and private sectors as well as local communities, bridging the gap between local and global knowledge.