Holistic evaluation of housing projects and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The document titled "Holistic evaluation of housing projects and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" is part of the Evaluation Perspectives series published by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). This publication aims to disseminate knowledge and evidence-based learning on social development topics from an evaluative standpoint. The focus of this particular issue is on housing, a critical societal issue in many CEB member countries, exacerbated by factors such as urban population growth, rising housing prices, and urban transformation trends that intensify social inequalities.

The 2030 Agenda, alongside the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in September 2015, explicitly addresses housing. Specifically, SDG 11 aims to create inclusive and sustainable cities and communities, highlighting "access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing" as a core target. The CEB has prioritized financing housing for lower-income and vulnerable groups since its inception in 1956, emphasizing its commitment to addressing these pressing issues.

Historically, the evaluation of housing projects has primarily focused on tangible aspects, such as the number of dwellings constructed or the cost-effectiveness and quality of construction. However, housing is an integral component of a broader urban ecosystem, where investments can have far-reaching effects beyond just the physical structures. The Office of Evaluation (EVO) has conducted a series of evaluations that underscore this complexity, emphasizing the need for evaluations to extend beyond traditional metrics.

The paper advocates for a comprehensive, holistic evaluation of housing projects that considers multiple dimensions. It proposes a three-level assessment framework: the first level pertains to the physical attributes of the dwellings, while the second level examines the direct and indirect impacts on beneficiaries, including health, financial stability, employment, and education outcomes. The third level assesses the broader impacts on neighborhoods and the wider economic and social landscape, as well as the natural environment.

The effects of housing projects can manifest in various ways, with some being intentional and others unintended. These impacts may not be immediately visible and can develop over the long term. Understanding this complex interplay of effects is crucial for ensuring that housing investments are sustainable from multiple perspectives: human, social, environmental, and institutional. The holistic evaluation framework encourages stakeholders to consider these diverse impacts to enhance the social effectiveness of housing operations.

In summary, the document emphasizes the importance of a holistic evaluation approach for housing projects, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. By broadening the evaluation criteria, stakeholders can better understand the multifaceted implications of housing investments, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and equitable urban development across Europe.