Modern housing - An environmental common good

The resource titled "Modern housing - An environmental common good" is authored by Dan Hill and Mariana Mazzucato, published by the Council on Urban Initiatives. This discussion paper emphasizes the significance of housing as a fundamental human right and its intrinsic relationship with social and environmental justice.

Housing is presented as a core social foundation that should be accessible to all. The current trajectory of housing, characterized by financialization and inequality, poses significant barriers to achieving social and environmental justice. The authors argue for a paradigm shift in how housing is approached, advocating for the creation of dignified, sustainable, and adaptable living conditions as a common good.

The paper proposes reversing extractive practices to produce housing that meets the needs of both people and the environment. It highlights the interdependence of housing dynamics in the Global North and South, emphasizing that policies must recognize and address the rights of both individuals and the environment. The authors advocate a coherent strategy that integrates building and retrofitting within planetary boundaries.

Transformation in housing practices is essential, focusing on design, construction, and governance. The authors call for a shift towards retrofitting and reusing existing structures, promoting the use of circular materials and sustainable building practices. They also underscore the importance of self-build and adaptive housing models, which can engage communities and empower residents.

The paper cites alarming statistics, with over one billion people living without adequate housing globally. In many cities, housing costs are rising faster than incomes, making it increasingly unaffordable for low- and middle-income families. The authors stress that the construction sector contributes approximately 37% of global CO2 emissions, indicating that urgent action is required to align housing practices with climate targets.

To promote sustainable housing, the authors propose a new policy framework for housing that incorporates public and social housing models. They advocate for mission-oriented procurement and partnerships that prioritize housing as a common good. This approach aims to create equitable access to high-quality housing while addressing environmental concerns.

The paper outlines various innovative housing projects that exemplify sustainable practices, such as cooperative housing and public housing models that integrate social infrastructure. These examples demonstrate how participatory design and community engagement can lead to more robust and resilient living environments, providing valuable insights for future housing policies.

Finally, the authors call for a collective effort to rethink housing as a public utility, emphasizing that the rights to housing, health, and the environment must be interconnected. They argue that adopting a common good framework for housing can lead to significant advancements in sustainability, social equity, and overall quality of life in urban settings.