A home for all within planetary boundaries: Pathways for meeting England’s housing needs without transgressing national climate and biodiversity goals

The article "A home for all within planetary boundaries: Pathways for meeting England’s housing needs without transgressing national climate and biodiversity goals" is published in the journal Ecological Economics. The authors, including Sophus O.S.E. zu Ermgassen and Michal P. Drewniok, explore the challenges and solutions related to England's housing policies in the context of sustainability and climate goals. The publication aims to address the pressing issue of housing affordability while ensuring that environmental objectives are met.

The UK faces a significant housing affordability crisis, with the government responding by committing to build 300,000 new homes annually. However, current housing strategies are projected to consume England's entire cumulative carbon budget by 2050, which is incompatible with the 1.5°C climate goal. It is estimated that 92% of emissions would originate from the existing housing stock, highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting as well as new construction.

The authors argue that meeting housing needs without causing environmental degradation is theoretically possible but politically challenging. Existing housing policies can exacerbate biodiversity loss, with 24% of threatened species on the IUCN Red List affected by infrastructure expansion. The paper emphasizes the necessity for solutions that decarbonize existing housing through rapid retrofitting and policies that discourage overconsumption of space.

The research identifies several alternative strategies that could address housing needs while meeting ecological targets. These include reducing the demand for homes as financial assets, expanding social housing, and increasing the efficiency of land use. By improving the affordability of housing and promoting the effective use of existing housing stock, England could potentially satisfy greater housing needs without exacerbating environmental issues.

The study's findings indicate that under current policies, housing alone could consume 104% of England's cumulative carbon budget by 2050. Alternative scenarios suggest that ambitious retrofitting of the existing stock and high standards for new builds could significantly reduce emissions. The authors provide a detailed analysis of three scenarios, demonstrating that transitioning to low-carbon housing strategies is essential for aligning housing needs with national biodiversity and climate goals.

To align housing policies with sustainability goals, the authors recommend urgent action in several areas. These include retrofitting existing homes to achieve zero emissions, implementing strict standards for new builds to minimize ecological impacts, and promoting policies that enhance the efficient use of housing space. The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates housing, climate, and biodiversity policies to meet societal needs without compromising the planet's ecological integrity.

In conclusion, the research presents a critical overview of the interplay between housing needs and environmental sustainability. It urges policymakers to reconsider current housing strategies and adopt innovative solutions that can meet societal needs while safeguarding England's climate and biodiversity objectives. The findings serve as a call to action for a more sustainable approach to housing across Europe.