A home for all within planetary boundaries: Pathways for meeting England's housing needs…

The document titled "A home for all within planetary boundaries: Pathways for meeting England's housing needs" was published in the journal Ecological Economics, which focuses on the intersection of ecological sustainability and economic practices. The authors, including Sophus O.S.E. zu Ermgassen and Michal P. Drewniok, provide insights into the housing crisis in England, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions that align with climate and biodiversity goals.

The English government aims to address the housing affordability crisis by building 300,000 new homes annually. However, research indicates that this strategy could lead to consuming England’s entire cumulative carbon budget by 2050, which is essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Current housing policies may result in 104% of the carbon budget being consumed by housing alone, with 92% attributed to the existing stock and only 12% from new constructions.

While alternative strategies to meet housing needs exist, they face significant political and economic hurdles. Solutions such as rapid retrofitting of existing homes, expanding social housing, and encouraging efficient use of floorspace could mitigate the environmental impact of housing. However, these strategies are often politically challenging due to the entrenched interests in the housing sector.

Housing expansion has considerable implications for biodiversity and carbon emissions. The construction and operation of new homes contribute to approximately 27% of global carbon dioxide emissions. England's biodiversity goals are also at risk as housing expansion could conflict with targets to halt wildlife declines by 2030. The 2021 Environment Act mandates that new developments achieve a ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’, but early results show ambiguous outcomes regarding its effectiveness.

The political economy of housing demonstrates a strong dependency on continuous growth in the sector, particularly due to the financialization of housing. Many households view homeownership as a cornerstone of financial security, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in the housing market. This dependency translates into a lack of political will to implement policies that could dampen demand and stabilize house prices.

To address unmet housing needs sustainably, the authors suggest several policy reforms. These include improving the efficiency of the existing housing stock, redefining housing as a financial asset, and prioritizing social housing construction. Additionally, newbuilds should meet stringent environmental standards to minimize their long-term carbon footprint and ensure compliance with biodiversity regulations.

The research underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift in England's housing policy. A balanced approach that integrates social needs with ecological integrity is crucial for achieving sustainable housing solutions. This document serves as a critical resource for policymakers and stakeholders across Europe, highlighting both the challenges and pathways to sustainable housing within planetary boundaries.