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The global urgency to cut carbon emissions and pollution is clear. Qatar, rich in fossil fuels, is shifting towards sustainability to reduce carbon emissions. This paper analyzes the energy consumption patterns in residential buildings in Qatar, categorizing them by size and ownership, and establishing energy benchmarks for each building type, offering insights to guide energy efficiency policies. By examining the building size and ownership, the study helps establish benchmarks, supporting Qatar's sustainability goals in reducing carbon emissions. The study was conducted from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021, utilizing data from the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA). A total of 172,796 residential buildings were analyzed, with data on building characteristics and demographic information incorporated into the analysis. A quantitative analysis revealed that the building size, ownership, and demographics significantly impact energy consumption, guiding efficiency strategies. The ownership and floor area significantly impact energy consumption. A strong positive correlation (R = 0.97) was found between energy consumption (kWh) and the total built area (m2). The patterns of energy use varied across different residential building types. The findings highlight the importance of considering the ownership and building size in energy efficiency policies. Identifying specific energy use patterns supports the development of targeted strategies. This research offers valuable data on residential energy consumption in Qatar, providing a foundation for energy benchmarks. These benchmarks can guide policy decisions and strategies to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability in the residential sector. This study uniquely connects the ownership and building size with energy consumption patterns in Qatar, supporting the development of effective energy policies and contributing to global sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While there is a call for smart and sustainable housing in general and for older adults in particular, little attention is paid to identifying the determinants of such housing and their extent of influence on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. This study addresses the above gap by re-defining the criteria for house quality assessment, taking into account new needs of older inhabitants, while concerning digital assistive technologies. Methods: This research uses various methods to identify and validate housing-related criteria and metrics, resulting in a transparent multi-criteria evaluation framework that accounts for the spatial needs of older adults. These include recommendations for multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM/A), expert workshop to develop new metrics and validate sub-criteria, expert survey to prioritize criteria and sub-criteria and interviews with three employees in the construction-services sector in the Netherlands, to gain knowledge on smart and healthy environments. Results and Discussion: The results show that age-friendliness of housing function is the most significant criterion, while availability of housing modifications for seniors most important sub-criterion. Our findings can benefit architects in designing improved age- friendly spaces, older adults in evaluating their dwellings and researchers from the field of architecture in selecting most relevant method for their study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate dispositions have been associated with implementing sustainable building construction (SBC). Prior studies have underscored the need for institutions to adopt sustainable development concepts as an integral part of their operations. Nonetheless, there remains ambiguity about the characteristics essential for enabling SBC, particularly for construction companies. Consequently, this study explored the corporate dispositions influencing SBC implementation in South Africa. The respondents included built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Descriptive and principal component analyses were used to determine the essential characteristics or features. The study found that top management support, competency, availability of finance for the project operation, good project management culture, stakeholders' involvement and commitment, and commitment to innovative construction are the most critical corporate disposition features for SBC implementation. These formed a principal cluster called corporate capability and commitment. The insight from the critical corporate dispositions analysis is anticipated to trigger improvement initiatives and mitigate unsustainable practices and the unaffordability of smart houses in the South African construction industry. The findings suggest that mobilising competent human and financial resources for project operation among construction firms will support the adoption of modern building techniques and the erection of smart houses. Similarly, competitive advantage and committed involvement of the relevant stakeholders, including government and community, can lead to subsidy, alignment of local needs and aspirations, and reducing the high price of erecting sustainable/smart buildings and rental costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Housing is a fundamental human need, yet access remains a significant challenge in Africa, particularly for low-income families. Rapid urbanization exacerbates this issue, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable housing strategies that can support urban growth and improve living conditions for these families. This study employs a rapid review methodology to identify and analyze sustainable innovative affordable housing (SIAH) strategies suitable for low-income families in African cities. Through a comprehensive literature search and thematic analysis, the review explores housing strategies such as mixed-use developments, incremental housing, low rental housing, inclusionary housing, 3D printing, upcycling, micro-housing, community-led housing, co-housing, and green building practices. These approaches/strategies are not mutually exclusive and can often overlap or be integrated to address housing challenges comprehensively. The findings highlight that these strategies can significantly enhance spatial justice and promote sustainable urban development. However, challenges such as material scarcity, regulatory complexities, and societal resistance must be addressed. The study emphasizes the need for policy support, public–private partnerships, community engagement, financial incentives, and capacity building to ensure successful implementation of these strategies. The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates, aiming to foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities in Africa. Future research could delineate the strategies into distinct categories based on their nature and purpose (strategy, method/tool, practice etc.), providing a clearer framework for understanding and implementation.

The country of Jordan is committed to sustainable development goals and public well-being but faces challenges such as high rates of poverty and disaffection, exacerbated by the influx of refugees. This study aimed to evaluate housing-related happiness factors and provide recommendations for integrating these metrics into sustainable housing evaluations. We conducted qualitative interviews and used interpretative phenomenological analysis, grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, to understand Jordanian residents' perspectives on their housing conditions. The research design emphasized capturing the subjective experiences of residents and the meanings they assign to their housing environments. Our findings indicate that social integration and community bonds are crucial for housing happiness, emphasizing cultural continuity, place attachment, social belonging, and dignity. These insights highlight the importance of considering social and psychological outcomes in sustainable housing initiatives, often overshadowed by economic and ecological metrics. We propose recommendations to enhance sustainable housing policies by focusing on social sustainability, contributing to the growing trend of incorporating social and psychological outcomes in green building evaluations. This study offers a framework for future sustainable housing projects to ensure they address the social and psychological needs of residents, thereby improving overall community well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of depopulation and residential dynamics in Teruel, a province emblematic of the aging and depopulation issues prevalent in many inland regions of Spain and Europe. Through an in-depth examination utilizing official statistics, academic studies, and reports, this study highlights the demographic structure, historical evolution, and current trends in Teruel. Key patterns of population change and their implications for urban and rural planning are identified. The analysis covers population density, vital balances, and household distribution, with a special focus on the significant role of the foreign population. Additionally, the challenges associated with vacant housing and the management of unused land are discussed, proposing revitalization strategies for the built environment in rural settings through sustainable housing initiatives. This study aims to contribute to the discourse on sustainable development of small cities and rural areas, offering integrated solutions that not only enhance living conditions but also encourage balanced and sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionWhile there is a call for smart and sustainable housing in general and for older adults in particular, little attention is paid to identifying the determinants of such housing and their extent of influence on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. This study addresses the above gap by re-defining the criteria for house quality assessment, taking into account new needs of older inhabitants, while concerning digital assistive technologies.MethodsThis research uses various methods to identify and validate housing-related criteria and metrics, resulting in a transparent multi-criteria evaluation framework that accounts for the spatial needs of older adults. These include recommendations for multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM/A), expert workshop to develop new metrics and validate sub-criteria, expert survey to prioritize criteria and sub-criteria and interviews with three employees in the construction-services sector in the Netherlands, to gain knowledge on smart and healthy environments.Results and DiscussionThe results show that age-friendliness of housing function is the most significant criterion, while availability of housing modifications for seniors most important sub-criterion. Our findings can benefit architects in designing improved age- friendly spaces, older adults in evaluating their dwellings and researchers from the field of architecture in selecting most relevant method for their study.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) include sustainable cities and communities. The availability of housing for young people is a contemporary global problem, and the severity of housing problems for young people in many countries is widely discussed and raises important policy questions. Generation Z, described as digital, critical, adventurous, open-minded and, above all, mobile people, is now entering adulthood. The study attempted to identify the housing preferences of young people to determine whether they prefer renting a flat or owning one. Although generation Z differs from older generations in many respects, their perception of the housing issue does not differ significantly from the attitudes presented by older generations. The dominant model of the housing system in Poland, the non-commodified-familial model, which prefers ownership over renting, is also shared by the youngest generation. Hence, the conclusion addressed to the public authorities and the financing system is to enable the expansion of the credit offer supported by a long-term savings plan aimed at young people. Renting as an alternative way of securing housing needs is also perceived positively, with nearly 80% of respondents stating that they would be able to live in rented accommodation, mainly due to greater mobility, rising property prices and reluctance to take out a long-term loan. Hence, we suggest the need to support institutional renting along the lines of other countries with similar housing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the evolving landscape of modern living in South Korea, which has the widespread apartment complexes that have emerged from the efficiencycentric approaches of industrial capitalism. It explores the paradigm shift in the 21st-century capitalist society, which now values creativity and individual expression over functionality and uniformity. This shift has led to a noticeable disparity between the monotonous spatial composition of mass-produced housing and the dynamic, creative lifestyles of contemporary residents. The research method involves a comprehensive analysis of both lifestyle and architectural magazines, providing insights into the changing preferences and lifestyles of residents, as well as the perspectives of professionals. The study aimed to highlight the changing nature of residential spaces and the design strategies, moving away from the conventional utility-focused designs, towards environments that foster creativity and reflect the individuality of inhabitants. Key findings indicate a growing public preference for residential spaces that are versatile, creatively stimulating, and aligned with the multifaceted nature of modern lifestyles. Contrasting these views, architectural experts emphasize the fundamental values of living, advocating for spaces that connect residents with nature and enrich everyday experiences through sensory engagement. The study concludes that while there is a divergence in perspectives between the general public and architectural specialists, both recognize the necessity for sustainable housing solutions. These solutions should cater to contemporary societal changes while preserving essential life values, thereby overcoming the limitations of the prevalent apartmentcentric urban housing model in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging population requires housing developments that can adapt to their changing needs. The study examines the use of steel volumetric modular technology to construct collective senior housing for independent, sustainable living. The authors explore the qualities of senior housing projects through a literature survey and case studies. Projects appreciated in the architectural industry, illustrating the best practices, are considered. For the development part, the feasible design variants are proposed, BIM modeled, and expertly assessed. Optimization of the types and numbers of modules is carried out to make the most effective use. The potential for generating appropriate flow and social interaction in the shared spaces is also tested. The results prove that a single dwelling unit may embody many features of a suitable architecture for older adults and be used to construct collective senior housing buildings. However, a 3D module with two rooms on either end and a corridor in the middle (the most economical form of 3D prefabrication) is unsuitable for senior housing. Additionally, a narrow 3D module cannot accommodate a complete dwelling unit due to increased dimension needs. Designers and builders must balance economics with the requirements of aging residents to widen the range of volumetric prefabrication areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate dispositions have been associated with implementing sustainable building construction (SBC). Prior studies have underscored the need for institutions to adopt sustainable development concepts as an integral part of their operations. Nonetheless, there remains ambiguity about the characteristics essential for enabling SBC, particularly for construction companies. Consequently, this study explored the corporate dispositions influencing SBC implementation in South Africa. The respondents included built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Descriptive and principal component analyses were used to determine the essential characteristics or features. The study found that top management support, competency, availability of finance for the project operation, good project management culture, stakeholders’ involvement and commitment, and commitment to innovative construction are the most critical corporate disposition features for SBC implementation. These formed a principal cluster called corporate capability and commitment. The insight from the critical corporate dispositions analysis is anticipated to trigger improvement initiatives and mitigate unsustainable practices and the unaffordability of smart houses in the South African construction industry. The findings suggest that mobilising competent human and financial resources for project operation among construction firms will support the adoption of modern building techniques and the erection of smart houses. Similarly, competitive advantage and committed involvement of the relevant stakeholders, including government and community, can lead to subsidy, alignment of local needs and aspirations, and reducing the high price of erecting sustainable/smart buildings and rental costs.

This study examines social housing models in Latvia, comparing them with those of other member states of the European Union (EU) through comparative and document analysis methodologies. The research investigates Latvia's current social housing landscape, its historical development, and the challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Latvia’s social housing sector, characterised by a very small share of the total housing stock and quality issues, is compared with 3–5 EU countries, focussing on funding mechanisms, target groups, and quality standards. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Latvia and other EU countries in social housing provision, with Latvia having one of the lowest incidences in the EU. Key findings include the impact of demographic trends on housing needs and the challenges posed by the ageing housing stock. The study concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and implementation strategies, contributing to the understanding of social housing dynamics in Latvia within the broader EU context and providing information for more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

The Malaysian National Housing Policy 2018-2025 proposed different housing development strategies, specifically focusing on the urban areas, with relatively little investigation on housing development in rural areas. This research investigates the challenges of incorporating sustainability features into housing and strategies to moving forward which leads to the development of a preliminary sustainable housing framework in rural areas. Semi-structured interview was conducted with 13 rural area residents' representatives and suppliers of housing materials who have more than ten years of experience in Sarawak. Content analysis was employed to analyse the collected data to further develop a framework related to sustainable housing development in rural areas. The proposed framework was validated with six experts who have 10-20 years of experience in rural areas through questionnaire. The findings revealed that accessibility issues, such as lack of proper transportation, and residents' financial capacity, hindered sustainable housing development, as the houses in Sarawak rural areas are mostly built by the residents. A preliminary framework that includes collaboration between government, suppliers of housing materials, contractors and residents, was proposed for improving housing conditions in rural areas to ensure the durability of the traditional timber house as well as the newly constructed houses with bricks and cement. This research could assist the government in identifying residents' housing needs, improving housing conditions and hence, enhancing residents' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, Egypt has recently suffered from recurring electricity crises. Despite efforts made to increase electricity production in Egypt, recently, in the summer months, the energy demand has increased at unprecedented rates, especially in the housing sector. Therefore, the government and homeowners should work together to improve the energy performance of residential buildings. This paper aimed to develop a decision-making tool that helps homeowners choose optimal energy retrofit measures that suit their priorities. The study began with the data-collection and case study selection. Then, the thermal evaluation of the base case for dwellings in the case study was conducted through simulation runs using the DesignBuilder v7.1 software. Then, the optimal envelope energy retrofitting measures were determined, followed by a retrofitting-measure scenario simulation process. Then, the payback periods were calculated for all scenarios, and the tool database was developed using an Excel spreadsheet. Finally, the user interface for envelope energy retrofitting measures for gated communities (EERMGCs) tool was designed by Visual Basic for Applications. EERMGCs, the tool developed in this paper, is a simple, multi-objective and interactive tool that provides the optimal envelope retrofit measures according to user priorities, either a specific budget, the shortest payback period, the lowest possible costs, or the highest energy saving rate. The outcome of this research is developing a framework that can be considered a basis for developing decision-making tools for gated community housing in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical security in residential areas and neighborhoods has led to an increase in the quantitative and qualitative level of well-being and provides the basis for the formation of residents' interaction in the urban environment. However, usually in urban environments, sustainable housing plays the greatest role in increasing and realizing physical security. In this regard, the aim of this research is to investigate and analyze the indicators of sustainable housing and their role in the realization and promotion of physical security in the neighborhoods of the 17th district of Tehran metropolis. The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and practical in terms of purpose. The method of data collection was done in the library and field, and the sampling was purposeful, and 20 urban specialists and experts were selected for questioning. Weighting and determining the value of subjective indicators (33 sub-indices in 6 categories of equitable distribution of residential services, efficient transportation, vitality, healthy environment, fair housing, and dynamic cultural heritage) and objective (14 sub-indices in 3 categories of design-architecture, technical indicators - Engineering and accessibility), using the methods of pairwise comparisons and fuzzy AHP, and the desirability of each of the indicators and their role in physical security, separated by localities, are displayed in the GIS environment. The results of the research showed that Yaftabad and East Abuzar neighborhoods have a favorable situation in terms of physical security with weight (0.132 and 0.084), respectively. Golchin (0.078) and Boloursazi (0.076) locations are in acceptable condition; Bagh Khazaneh (0.074) and Emamzadeh Hasan (0.073) neighborhoods are in average condition; The localities of Jalili (0.066), West Abuzar (0.064), Zehtabi (0.063) and Emam Sajjad (AS) (0.062) are in poor condition and the localities of Vesfanard (0.060), Azari (0.058)), Moghadam (0.057) and Zamzam (0.050) are in unfavorable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates liveability in the context of sustainable public housing in Niger State, Nigeria, where existing housing efforts have fallen short of residents' satisfaction. Recognizing the critical link between liveability indicators and environmental sustainability, this research aims to identify key liveability variables that could be integrated into the design and construction of sustainable public housing. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study involved cluster sampling for selecting housing estates and units, followed by the administration of 910 questionnaires containing 102 questions on liveability variables. Analytical techniques, including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis, were used to group, refine, and validate the liveability variables. The results revealed 21 significant variables that collectively could achieve a 92.9% satisfaction rate among residents if incorporated into public housing design. These findings underline the potential of addressing liveability in the pursuit of sustainable housing solutions, offering insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. By focusing on the residents' perspectives, the study contributes to a more user-centred approach in public housing development, promoting long-term satisfaction and reducing the need for post-occupancy alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a user-centred design method for developing prototype housing designs in the Paipe community of Abuja, Nigeria, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). UCD is a qualitative methodology that prioritises end users in the design process. This study employs qualitative methods to collect data through interviews, field surveys, and site analysis using a single case study. The UCD approach was used to develop a profile of residents and identify their needs and preferences. Thematic analysis of the data led to the creation of design specifications and prototype designs. Two design options were developed: a cluster design based on field survey observations and an enclosed modern design based on residents' preferences. This study contends that user-centred design (UCD) is essential for sustainable housing provision in LMICs, aligning with the United Nations' adequate-housing programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

War has significant negative impacts not only on human societies but also on the environment. In Syria, the residential sector has been heavily affected by extensive destruction, which needs to be prioritized in reconstruction strategies and plans in order to provide necessary housing for displaced individuals. This research aims to propose sustainable housing reconstruction strategies after war in Syria. Studies conducted on the literature and case studies from war-torn countries show that reconstruction can be an opportunity for achieving sustainable development, as long as it is considered within long-term development plans. This article focuses on finding new perspectives and solutions for the sustainable reconstruction of partially destroyed residential units after war. To achieve this goal, we first define the concept of reconstruction and its approaches, then examine the indigenous housing architecture of Damascus and study global experiences in post-war reconstructions in different countries. Considering the conditions of each country and assessing the post-war situation in Syria, particularly in the city of Damascus, an appropriate strategy for reconstruction can be chosen.To achieve this goal, a residential complex that has been affected by war in Syria was selected and examined. In this regard, fieldwork and questionnaires were conducted to identify the key components in sustainable housing reconstruction projects after war, in line with the research framework. By using the questionnaire, the opinions of experts on the most influential components in such projects were obtained. The results of the questionnaire show that these components are more important in environmental dimensions and subsequently in social dimensions, but less important in economic dimensions. Ultimately, the components of environmental sustainability and social sustainability are prioritized.

This study investigates liveability in the context of sustainable public housing in Niger State, Nigeria, where existing housing efforts have fallen short of residents' satisfaction. Recognizing the critical link between liveability indicators and environmental sustainability, this research aims to identify key liveability variables that could be integrated into the design and construction of sustainable public housing. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study involved cluster sampling for selecting housing estates and units, followed by the administration of 910 questionnaires containing 102 questions on liveability variables. Analytical techniques, including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis, were used to group, refine, and validate the liveability variables. The results revealed 21 significant variables that collectively could achieve a 92.9% satisfaction rate among residents if incorporated into public housing design. These findings underline the potential of addressing liveability in the pursuit of sustainable housing solutions, offering insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. By focusing on the residents' perspectives, the study contributes to a more user-centred approach in public housing development, promoting long-term satisfaction and reducing the need for post-occupancy alterations.

The construction industry's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality has underscored the urgency of promoting green and low-carbon sustainable affordable housing. However, the development process has encountered several challenges, including conflicts between the central and local governments arising from differences in value preferences, financial constraints faced by local governments, inadequate access mechanisms, lenient screening processes, insufficient funding, and remote locations. Despite its significance, the policies related to affordable housing, especially in the context of assembly affordable housing, have received limited systematic examination. To address this research gap, this paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of China's affordable housing policies. Firstly, it compiles and compares recent affordable housing policies in China, serving as a valuable reference for future affordable housing construction endeavors. Secondly, it conducts an in-depth analysis of the barriers and challenges obstructing affordable housing development in China, and proposing corresponding measures for improvement. Moreover, this paper identifies significant opportunities for affordable housing development in the country and explores the potential synergy between the development of assembly buildings and affordable housing by leveraging their respective attributes. By illuminating pertinent policies and associated issues, this research aims to inform policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in the affordable housing sector. Additionally, it aims to stimulate further research and innovation in the field, contributing to effective and sustainable housing solutions for low-income communities and society at large. This paper systematically analyzes the current status of affordable housing policies, challenges and opportunities. It also discusses the application of assembly building techniques in the realm of affordable housing, proving valuable insights to address traditional housing issues.

This study examined the laws and policies on the provision of housing for foreign workers and the status of and problems with foreign workers' accommodations in Gyeonggi province. This was undertaken to identify the fundamental reason for the recurring risks related to workers' housing sustainability, such as accidents related to inadequate housing in rural areas. We first present a review of the relevant domestic laws and regulations on the construction and installation of foreign workers' residential facilities in rural areas, as well as of the guidelines set by international organizations and the practices of other countries regarding the provision of workers' housing. Then, we analyze the data from a survey of foreign workers' residential facilities in Gyeonggi province using a classification of housing vulnerability to understand the current condition of foreign workers' accommodations at the local level, including the distribution and conditions of foreign workers' residential facilities and their compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. Comparing the principles for the provision of workers' accommodations stipulated in Korean law with the criteria and requirements set forth by international organizations and other countries, it can be seen that Korean law is more focused on setting the minimum requirements for workers' accommodations. In contrast, international standards for adequate housing and the standards for workers' housing of other countries not only set minimum requirements but also consider various factors that can enhance the workers' living environments and quality of life and guarantee equal treatment of foreign workers, including the demand for different types of housing, location, access to cultural facilities, and supplementary facilities. We classified the housing vulnerability of foreign workers' residential facilities in Gyeonggi province based on their characteristics, such as the housing requirements stipulated by law, and on the degree of housing vulnerability regarding living conditions and accommodation facilities (washing/bathing facilities, electrical safety checks, etc.). As a result, the main problem is location, with 43% (800) of the workplaces violating the Farmland Act. In addition, 80% of the workplaces use containers or prefabricated panels (temporary buildings) as dormitories, which are in violation of the Building Act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate housing is one of the rights of Indonesian citizens. Nevertheless, forced eviction is something familiar in Indonesia. One of the areas that experienced forced evictions was Kampung Akuarium. In April, the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta evicted Kampung Akuarium settlement area residents. As a form of demonstration, they survived on the rubble from the evictions and built tents to carry out their activities in the Kampung Akuarium area. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government began to rebuild the site into an adequate residential area called Kampung Susun Akuarium (KSA) as a solution for the residents. Based on the government's solution, the study aims to determine whether the KSA meets the principles of sustainable housing. Sustainable housing promotes environmental preservation, social equality, and economic development to improve the residents' quality of life. This study conducts a preliminary study to compile sustainable housing variables and indicators. The variables used in this research are community development, environment, social, and economy. Data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling was performed with SmartPLS software, based on the data collected, with an intensive study by distributing questionnaires to 102 residents. The findings indicate that KSA residents have performed most of the sustainable housing and community development indicators well and can still be improved by considering solutions related to poorly implemented indicators. This study's results also emphasize that community development is a significant variable in building sustainable housing to be used in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable building should at least be affordable and carbon neutral. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region struggling with housing affordability. Residential buildings are often constructed using block-based materials. These are increasingly produced using ordinary Portland cement (PC), which has a high carbon footprint. Using alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) for block production might reduce the footprint and price. The purpose is to assess the level of information for SCM use in blocks in SSA and to use this information for Diagnosing the improvement potential as part of an Opportunity Study. Results from the scoping review show that aggregated information on SCMs and the quantities available is limited. Diagnosing the theoretical improvement potential in using cassava peel ash, rice husk ash, corn cob ash, volcanic ash and calcined clays, indicates that SCMs could represent a yearly value of approximately USD 400 million, which could be transferred from buying cement to local production. The use of SCMs could save 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year and create some 50,000 jobs. About 5% of the PC used for block production could be substituted, indicating that, in addition to using SCMs, other solutions are needed to secure production of sustainable blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representing more than half of the Egyptian cities’ land use, housing is a major contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions. What can be called; the 5th generation of Egyptian sustainable urban settlements is evaluated in this research. The potential of new housing typology arranged around courtyards with earth construction envelope to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. For a south-east oriented apartments, the energy performance simulation of conventional detached and clustered attached housing with different envelope materials are compared. Results show that the clustered housing paradigm, accompanied with the Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) envelope, reduced cooling loads during summer by 15.6%, annual energy consumption by 8.5% and 11.6% of carbon emissions compared to the conventional case of detached housing and Solid Cement Blocks (SCB) envelope. The study demonstrates the significance of employing such passive design strategies on improving sustainability measures, along with spotting a light on the character of such urban housing typology as another coin side.

Today, with the rapid growth of the economy and the development of urban communities, we are witnessing an intensification of the conflict between the resources used by humans. Therefore, awareness of the capacity of available resources in order to achieve the goals of planning is an undeniable necessity. On the other hand, the increasing trend of pollutant production is a major challenge in the planning process. Therefore, in this study, in addition to examining the resources available at the urban level, human-produced pollutants are also considered. Among these, water resources and the pressure applied to water resources are considered as a key factor. This helps to form strategies for achieving sustainable development. This helps to form strategies for achieving sustainable development. In this research, we try to describe the range of Urban environment carrying capacity Condition the province based on resources as a basis for construction and management of residential areas, which means sustainable housing. In fact, assessing the carrying capacity of urban environment resources leads to awareness of sustainability and increases the link between human activities and urban sustainability. Due to the high importance of resources in the issue of sustainability and the existing and increasing problems of Tehran province, in this study we have tried to estimate the carrying capacity of the province with emphasis on water resources of the province. In this study, the criteria are divided into two groups of carrier and load. Carriers have been studied from three dimensions of water facilities, water supply and environmental and the load caused by human activity in the sectors of water consumption and production wastewater, socio-economic and pollution in the two sectors of waste and air. Shannon entropy method has been used to weight the indices. Finally, using the interaction of loads to carriers, the carrying capacity of Tehran province was estimated. According to the obtained results and with the available reports related to the existing conditions in Tehran province, it was determined that among the indicators related to water supply carrier, which has been considered as a key factor in this study, The groundwater resources index, the value of which is determined by the weight of 0.0086, is the most important. According to the results of the carrying capacity related to the interaction of loads with carriers, respectively, carriers of water resources with the amount of 23.748 the highest available capacity, then carriers of the environment of 6.5663 and finally carriers of water facilities as the lowest capacity of Tehran province. There are three carriers with a value of 3.7092.Finally, the numerical value of the total carrying capacity of Tehran province based on the specified indicators is 34.0235. In future studies, if the data and information related to other provinces are completed by implementing the method used in this study for other provinces, it will be possible to compare the values of carrying capacity at the national level, The results can help to improve the planning process based on comparisons between provinces.

The research deals with the problem of housing in developing countries, especially the increasing costs of constructing housing units and the inability of governments to provide adequate housing for citizens. The research works to find a way to help reduce construction costs, taking into account design standards and user requirements, by studying the concept of housing in Egypt, its types and development and the role of the state in providing sufficient and sustainable housing that meets the needs and aspirations of users, reviewing the design criteria according to the Unified Egyptian Building Code to ensure that housing projects meet the needs of users, and how to achieve sustainable housing by learning about the concept of sustainability and its principles.The research used the inductive approach to build a mathematical model using linear programming aimed at reducing the wasted spaces within the housing unit and thus reducing construction costs, and then using the experimental method to apply and test the mathematical model on one of the government housing models "Dar Misr" in order to evaluate it.The research helped provide a tool that helps architectural designers in designing and evaluating sustainable housing projects, which reduce construction costs taking into account the design criteria required for the housing unit.

One of the crucial issues in early stages of designing process of a building is a lack of architects’ knowledge about the energy consumption in different forms of building with different proportions, especially in central courtyard forms. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of the ratio of perimeter to the height of the courtyard (R1) and the ratio of width to length of the courtyard (R2) on energy consumption. In the first step of this research, different proportions of central courtyard with different R1 and R2 were simulated in design builder software. Then, multi linear regression was used to find out the effect of different proportions (R1 and R2) on energy consumption through SPSS software. Finally, the effect of R1 and R 2 ratio on energy consumption was validated through investigating six existing central courtyard forms. The result demonstrated that the effective coefficient of the R1 and R2 ratio on energy consumption were -25.41 and 62.69 respectively. Findings of this research help architects to achieve relative acknowledge about the energy consumption of different proportions of the courtyard forms for creating more energy efficient forms.

Paying attention to the sustainability of houses and any effort in this direction can be extremely important in achieving more sustainable societies. In this regard, sustainability assessment tools and more specifically the certificates that are used to evaluate the sustainability of urban houses can play major roles and, therefore, present points that need to be as efficient as possible. The study is an attempt at analyzing the efficiency of BREEAM (The British Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), as one of the most advanced and highest used certificates (in the world) in the housing sector, based on the results from a systematic literature review. To achieve this goal, the scoring system used in the BREEAM International New Construction 2016 is evaluated in order to see if the credits and weightings that are assigned to the assessment issues are aligned with the trends existing in the recent literature related to urban housing sustainability. The results of a previously published systematic review of 118 recent papers are used to extract the most important factors (and their importance degrees) affecting the sustainability of urban houses on a global scale. The analysis outcome shows significant differences in the prioritization of factors and the importance degree given to each factor between the BREEAM evaluation process and the literature review factors.

In Mexico, there are efforts to recover earth-based construction systems, mainly those that improve the comfort characteristics consisting of a thermal sensation different from that of the environment. One of the questions derives from the reason why, at high ambient temperatures, earth houses tend to have a much lower temperature inside while, at very low temperatures, indoor temperatures are higher. This paper analyzes a type of housing present in Tamaulipas, Mexico, characterized by adobe walls and palm roofs. From a specific solution of the transport equations considering the heat capacity of the material and the coefficient of thermal conductivity, it is shown that the heat transfer of a homogeneous material in housing is dominated by these two properties, which justifies the present architectural design and the paradigm of a better comfort of earthen dwellings concerning industrialized materials such as the concrete block, we also show the energy efficiency according to NOM-020-ENER-2011.

Purpose: Good and coordinated administration is essential for completing a property. This study focuses on aligning individuals' control with their distinct objectives. Homebuilders strive to address problems as effectively as possible to attain the most significant success from multiple perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: SCOPUS.COM is a library of source-neutral abstracts and citations vetted by recognized experts in their respective disciplines. From 1985 to 2022, researchers discovered 835 documents on sustainable housing in the SCOPUS.COM database, according to (1) country or region, (2) source, (3) funding sponsor, (4) subject, and (5) affiliation. Findings: Indonesia ranks below Malaysia, India, and China in Asia and ASEAN but above Singapore and Thailand. Indonesia continues to be competitive in housing research and publication. Sustainability Switzerland has 54 documents, followed by the IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science with 37, International Journal of Housing Science and Its Applications with 24, IOP Conference Series Material Science and Engineering with 19, Habitat International with 13, and Building and Environment with ten documents. Hong Kong, China, Korea, and Malaysia provide the most institutional funding, where the sources include DIKTI, ITS Surabaya, UNDIP Semarang, and U.I. Jakarta in Indonesia. Engineering has 386 documents, Social Science 334, Environmental Science 257, and Energy 161. The Netherlands, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India account for most affiliations, while three documents from ITS Surabaya represent Indonesia. There are significant gaps in sustainable housing research and publishing. Supporting renewable energy is a global trend, and sustainable development must expand. Originality/value: This paper is original Paper type: Research paper

As global livability rankings gain press attention and powerful influence with policy makers, we need an expanded critical debate on their context and problems. This essay narrates a brief history of three influential global livability rankings and critiques several major flaws in their criteria. We demonstrate how both Mercer and EIU’s business model dictates an artificial split between livability and the cost of living that has permeated current popular conceptualisations of livability, and focus on the lack of housing affordability as a ranking criterion. This essay evaluates top-ranked cities against perceptive and quantitative measures of housing cost, and shows how many of these cities share extremely high housing cost burdens. A just city should provide housing opportunities for all residents, not just the global elite for whom livability rankings were initially designed. Livability rankings, as currently conceptualised, distract from that goal.

A "community of knowledge" of representatives of the housing sector in the Netherlands investigated the impact of the behaviour of residents in sustainable housing, both newly constructed and renovated stock. For this, grey scientific data were used, i.e., data and reports from non-university agencies reflecting research commissioned by civil society NGOs and commercial enterprises. The aim was to find perspectives for action (practical "rules of thumb") to increase the impact of sustainable housing on CO2 reduction and facilitate the implementation of the Dutch national sustainability program. First, a conceptual framework and research model were created to generate the relevant research questions for the sustainable construction sector. An innovative research approach was used where data from academic non-university researchers were enriched by university academic researchers. Experiences with the methodology used are: (a) It implicitly places the many factors that influence sustainable resident behaviour in context; and (b) it makes clear that data from such research can complement university research with useful data from practice, data that are scientifically difficult to use because they are mostly derived from stand-alone case studies. The perspectives for action that were generated are: (a) Sustainable technologies must add new useful functionalities for acceptance; (b) sustainable supply must be tailor-made because households differ and tenants behave differently from homeowners; (c) decision-making about sustainable investments is not only based on financial factors; (d) residents are reluctant to become involved, so it is important that (e) the people representing contractors should be reliable; and (f) people want personalised plans and on-time delivery. Finally, the collected reports turned out to be focused on practice and therefore provided less theoretical information about the rebound effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend in academic research in Saudi Arabia on the topics related to sustainable housing and the relative health of the occupants. This article deals with the evaluation of the innovative teaching strategies implemented while completing the planning of a healthy sustainable housing project in an intensive design studio workshop of 3rd year students at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam. The students were supervised by the respective department faculty members as well as the experts from the industry invited for the sessional and final jury exams. The studio workshop resulted in a comprehensive master plan of a healthy sustainable neighborhood that was designed based on the main objective of the health of the occupants. The designed master plan took into account the national and international planning standards, local housing policies, and regulations. Students showed substantial advances in their skills and understanding of the project. The output of the design studio was measured by comparing the average student score and online feedback surveys for the last five years.

Dimensional stability and compressive strength are key factors to consider when modelling earth-based materials. It defines the volumetric performance of earth-based materials upon wet and dry environment. Meanwhile, the deformation under compression loading is accessed with the compressive strength testing. This study is aimed to use locally available materials considered as waste to model sustainable construction materials through soil stabilisation technique. The utilization of biowaste in this study is aimed to reduce the amount of waste produced in the agricultural sector in addition to the promotion of this material locally in the construction field. Cement was used as stabilizer to establish the performances of the waste-based stabilizer when mixed with conventional stabilizer or partnerless. Borassus fruit ash and cement were used both in solo, and hybrid mix (5wt%, 10wt%) to stabilize termite mound soil in the mix design. The mix design was analyzed microstructurally with scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to understand the effect of each stabilizer on the microstructural level. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) was conducted to identify the functional group present in each mix design to establish the influence of both stabilisers on the bonding mechanism. The mix design was also tested for water sensitivity, linear shrinkage, and compressive strength. From the results, samples containing 10wt% hybrid borassus fruit ash/cement exhibited higher content of Silicon, Aluminum, and Iron consequently satisfactory compressive strength. For hybrid stabilisation of earth-based materials, preference is given to 10wt% stabilisation level. The results of this study are analyzed to reduce the footprint of agricultural waste and to model locally available materials into sustainable housing materials.

The increasing rates of unaffordability cases and subsequent housing abandonment recorded in the public and private housing units provided for the average and vulnerable members of society have been linked not just to financial problems but also sustainability issues. Sustainable affordable housing (SAH) has been advocated by housing scholars and researchers to address these exponentially growing concerns. However, sustainable and affordable houses are at a low rate in Nigeria's housing stock because the uptake of SAH is still in its infancy and very slow. To encourage SAH adoption in Nigeria, a multi-dimensional problem analysis challenging the uptake of SAH is required. The study, therefore, aims to explore the experiences of housing providers on the barriers to SAH adoption in Nigeria. The objective is to determine the degree to which each barrier contributes to the disenfranchisement of vulnerable members of society in terms of housing rights. In this regard, a comprehensive list of 43 barriers, classified under 6 categories, was determined through an extensive literature review. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was designed and administered to 1,554 experts in the Nigerian housing industry with affordable housing experience. Frequency analysis and Kruskal-Wallis H-tests were used to rank and identify the critical barriers. Findings reveal that housing providers' views on the criticality of these barriers differ significantly across professions and based on the nature of service (academic or practice). A framework has been developed to aid housing providers and stakeholders in prioritizing their actions for SAH implementation in the study area.

In Mexico, there are efforts to recover earth-based construction systems, mainly those that improve the comfort characteristics consisting of a thermal sensation different from that of the environment. One of the questions derives from the reason why, at high ambient temperatures, earth houses tend to have a much lower temperature inside while, at very low temperatures, indoor temperatures are higher. This paper analyzes a type of housing present in Tamaulipas, Mexico, characterized by adobe walls and palm roofs. From a specific solution of the transport equations considering the heat capacity of the material and the coefficient of thermal conductivity, it is shown that the heat transfer of a homogeneous material in housing is dominated by these two properties, which justifies the present architectural design and the paradigm of a better comfort of earthen dwellings concerning industrialized materials such as the concrete block, we also show the energy efficiency according to NOM-020ENER-2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In a world that is rapidly urbanizing and changing, Sustainable Housing Strategy Considering the negative impacts of urban growth is proposed solutions to minimize urban challenges, especially in relation to housing.This research has investigated the sustainability of housing indicators through quantitative and qualitative method in urban areas by sustainable housing approach Methods: The present article is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The method of collecting documentary-library information is such as the general census of population and housing in 2016 and the detailed plan for 2016. To analyze and analyze the Arc Catalog software for data preparation, the network analysis process model was used to weigh the criteria, and the Todim model and the Moran model were used to measure the stability of quantitative and qualitative housing indicators. Results:Research findings show, district 5 in region 3‌ (Niksazan, Valiasr, Zafaranieh, Shahryar, Mirdamad, Manzarieh, Laleh, Baharestan, Ansarieh) in terms of housing indicators is very stable. But the district 4‌in region‌6‌(Golshahr Kazemieh) and other low and middle-income regions areas such as district‌3‌in region‌1‌(Islam Abad), district 5 in region 2‌(Bisim), district 2‌in region‌1 (Fatemieh, Shohada, Golgek Abad) are low stable. Totally, ‌27.5% of houses are very stable, ‌16.1% have low stability, ‌21.3% have a moderate stability, 11.6% have a high stability, and‌23.5% are very stable, which shows the instability of housing in all‌25 districts of Zanjan City. ‌Also, the findings of the Moran Index shows that the spatial distribution of sustainability of quantitative and qualitative indicators of housing in‌25 districts of Zanjan City has a cluster pattern, Indicates a clear gap in terms of the sustainability of quantitative and qualitative indicators of housing in Zanjan‌25 districts Conclusion: Therefore, in order to take the necessary measures to reduce spatial inequalities in the quality and quantity of housing in Zanjan city areas, it seems necessary to develop a codified program based on spatial justice to reduce its inequalities.