Research Proceeding on Sustainable Practices in Affordable Housing

Abstract

Abstract Worldwide housing shortages experienced by many developing countries are central to much international debate as the number of people without decent shelter continues to reach unprecedented levels. Housing demands in such countries are usually met by the adoption of conventional approaches that are not always sustainable. Housing affordability and sustainability are therefore crucial to the provision of housing, which sustains its inhabitants economically, socially and environmentally, while ensuring the sustainability of the planet as a whole. Through a scoping study, this paper identifies current construction and design approaches, building features and criteria and policy options favoring the application of sustainability in affordable houses. In the joint implementation of sustainable and affordable housing, a number of practices, such as lean construction methods, building design to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, and government contributions to planning incentives, subsidies and country-level policies, were found to be effective.