Demystifying the Road Towards Green and Resilient Housing

by Olivia Nielsen Principal, Miyamoto International , Thierno-Habib Hann Managing Director/CEO, Shelter Afrique , with contributions from Samuel Lynch Senior Program Coordinator, Miyamoto International

In the wake of COP28, 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. Given that homes constitute approximately 70% of real estate, prioritizing the expansion of access to green, resilient, and affordable housing is imperative in achieving our climate goals. 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 growing. If we were to address this large deficit with traditional bricks and mortar construction methods, the carbon footprint would be unprecedented, equally negating other decarbonization efforts. This staggering demand stems from a combination of factors, including a substantial housing deficit, rapidly growing populations & urbanization, and shrinking household sizes. 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.

While much attention is rightly placed on green retrofits of existing homes, a practice predominantly relevant to advanced economies in Europe and the United States, a unique challenge and opportunity emerge when we turn our focus to the dynamic landscapes of Asia and Africa. Addressing the more than 50 million housing deficit in Africa will require the creation of a new building stock to meet unprecedented demand while establishing thriving and sustainable communities. To achieve this, we must re-imagine conventional approaches to developing green and affordable housing, seeking to instead understand and address the distinctive factors that define energy consumption and carbon emissions in these regions.

Affordable Housing's Surprising Carbon Profile

Affordable housing in Asia and Africa, in its nascent form, consumes relatively little energy compared to its counterparts in developed regions. 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. Current development patterns characterized by sprawling settlements far from critical services and economic opportunities harm the environment, households, and deter community cohesion. 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 increases in emissions 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 in mind. Apart from 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. Not only do such homes reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions, but they also promote economic opportunity, foster community cohesion, and enhance overall quality of life. Residents enjoy more attractive living environments and are empowered to save on utility and transportation costs, while local businesses flourish as accessibility increases. 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 themselves all have crucial roles to play. By embracing innovative designs, sustainable materials, and forward-thinking yet well-coordinated policies, we can pave the way for a future where affordable housing doesn't just provide 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 not only reduce carbon emissions, but also 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.