Sustainable Development of Housing

Overview of Sustainable Housing Development

• Focuses on the interaction between housing and the environment, accessibility, and management.

9.1 How Does Housing Affect the Natural Environment?

• Use of Natural Resources:

  • Land must be cleared for building houses, leading to environmental degradation.
  • Approximately 18.7 million acres of forests are lost annually due to urban expansion.
  • Increased demand for resources such as food, water, and materials:
  • Resources extracted from the environment or mined (e.g., wood for furniture, natural gas for electricity).
  • Water sources for large cities come from nearby and distant areas, requiring environmental management.

• Environmental Pollution:

  • Housing developments can lead to various types of pollution:
  • Land Pollution:
    • Result of garbage, industrial waste, mining debris, and improper waste disposal.
    • Long-term damage affects future land usability for housing.
  • Waste management practices include building landfills and incinerating waste to minimize land use.

9.2 How Does Access to Housing Affect People?

• Provision of Basic Needs:

  • City housing offers shelter, a fundamental human necessity.
  • Access to sanitation, which reduces disease outbreaks and improves health.
  • Availability of water and electricity contributes to a better quality of life.

• Presence of Amenities:

  • Amenities improve the ease of daily life:
  • Grocery stores, eateries, markets provide convenient access to food and services.
  • Proximity to medical services like clinics and hospitals enhance health access.

• Presence of Communities:

  • Housing that meets social needs facilitates community building:
  • Community centers and playgrounds promote interaction and companionship among residents.
  • Fosters a sense of belonging and local spirit, termed “The Kampung Spirit.”

9.3 How Can Housing Be Sustainably Managed?

• Integrated Land Use Planning:

  • Must involve various stakeholders (industries, planning authorities, businesses) for effective management.
  • Need to balance economic, social, and environmental demands and ensure coordination among different groups.
  • Example: Tengah District as a model for sustainable development.

• Provision of Public Housing:

  • Inclusivity: Public housing in Singapore aims to accommodate diverse family sizes and age groups.
  • Incorporation of environmentally friendly technologies in construction:
  • Solar panels, water-efficient fittings, green roofs/walls to promote sustainability.
  • While initial installation is costly, it may result in long-term savings.
  • Encouragement of recycling and responsible waste management practices among residents.