CLIMATE-NEUTRAL HOUSING INVESTMENT POLICIES

Housing is central to people’s lives, health, dignity, safety, and their neighbourhoods. Housing also contributes significantly to social solidarity, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. In the 21st century, the governance, land and finance systems that influence the delivery and consumption of housing have been beset by numerous crises. Emanating from climate change, unguided investment flows, and most recently, a global pandemic, these crises have had profound consequences for the people and the planet.

Policymakers have the responsibility to shape more resilient housing systems and ensure that decent homes and neighbourhoods are affordable, safe and accessible, thereby implementing the SDGs by 2030, meeting the Paris Agreement climate goals and realising the Right to Adequate Housing. Progress can be accelerated with high level support and long-term commitment. Governments can drive action to address housing and related concerns, supported by capable and dedicated policy designers, experts and informed advocates.

#Housing2030 offers key policy stakeholders, such as housing ministers and mayors, the tools to shape more inclusive and sustainable housing systems, together with the households and communities they serve. To provide focus to and momentum for housing policy reforms, and meet the SDGs by 2030, #Housing2030 report makes the following recommendations:

Establish a national strategy to promote climate-neutral, inclusive and affordable living environments, securing commitment from key stakeholders and outlining required legislative, regulatory and investment implementation actions;
Coordinate spatial and mobility planning to promote energy-efficient homes, neighbourhoods, cities, and regions in green, socially inclusive, and walkable neighbourhoods thus minimizing dependence on car use;
Use financing, fiscal and regulatory tools to accelerate and shape more effective, housing systems that deliver affordable, inclusive and energy-efficient housing;
Use building resources efficiently, by balancing benefits of constructing new housing against re-use and renovation of existing housing;
Ensure costs of renovation processes do not displace residents or place an excessive cost burden by using grants, long-term low-cost investment and or assistance to tenants;
Support the development and implementation of building standards, technologies, processes and supply-chains to promote climate-neutral living environments;
Improve knowledge of deep renovation possibilities among tenants, housing providers and private owners.

CLIMATE NEURALITY TOOLS