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.