Green Building Interventions for Social Housing

Given the substantial growth in new construction in economies in transition and the inefficiencies of existing building stock worldwide, if nothing is done, GHG emissions from buildings will more than double in the next 20 years. Therefore, if global targets for GHG emissions reduction are to be met, it is essential that mitigation of GHG emissions from buildings must be on every national climate change strategy. Tackling the emissions problem from the building sector, for example through green social housing, can create jobs, save money and most importantly, shape a built environment that has a net positive environmental influence. Investing in achieving such results in the social housing sector has the potential to boost the local economy and improve living conditions, particularly for low-income communities.

This publication represents another addition to UN-Habitat's work on Green and Sustainable Housing and was produced in collaboration with UNEP's Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative (SBCI).