Addressing Australia's Housing Crisis through Sustainability and the Circular Economy

The Circular Economy Approach

Following last months look into circular design on a global and local scale, similar fundamentals can be adopted and applied to one of Australia’s biggest issues, housing and cost of living.  A circular economy in housing involves using durable, recyclable materials, optimising building lifespans, and designing for disassembly and reuse.

Research completed by RMIT university for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) applies these principles to housing. They developed a comprehensive strategy for the sector’s transition to a circular economy. It gives priority to local jobs, access to affordable housing, resilient and functional design, and carbon-neutral, energy-efficient operation.

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Solving Two Problems at Once

The circular economy addresses both housing affordability and sustainability by providing solutions for households, renters, and owners. Urgent policy responses are required for the climate crisis and the right to adequate housing. Despite new energy-efficiency standards being delayed in most states, these standards are crucial for achieving affordable and sustainable housing. Combined with fiscal policies, business support, and education, the housing industry can develop to meet these standards, benefiting both Australian households and the environment.

1. Energy-Efficiency Standards

Implementing stringent energy-efficiency standards is essential. These standards reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and lessen the environmental impact of housing. Passive design principles that harness natural heating, cooling, and lighting can significantly enhance energy efficiency.

2. Sustainable Building Practices

The circular economy emphasises the use of durable, low-carbon, and recyclable materials in construction. This approach extends the lifespan of buildings and minimises waste. Techniques like modular construction facilitate easier disassembly and reuse of materials, promoting sustainability at every stage of the housing lifecycle. This can carry over to lowering build costs which is then passed on to the consumer.  

3. Incentives and Funding for Green Construction

Financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, can encourage developers to adopt sustainable building practices. These incentives can stimulate investment in green housing projects, making sustainability an attractive and viable option for the housing industry.

4. Innovative Housing Models

Community-based housing models, such as co-operatives, offer affordable and sustainable living options. These models pool resources and share responsibilities, providing a collective approach to housing that can enhance affordability and sustainability.

5. Policy and Regulation

Supportive government policies are crucial for driving the shift towards a circular economy in housing. Clear regulations and performance standards can guide the industry towards greener construction methods. Effective policy frameworks can ensure that sustainable practices are enforced and maintained.

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Benefits            

1. Cost Reduction Sustainable practices lower construction and maintenance costs, making housing more affordable.

2. Environmental Impact: Reducing carbon footprints and waste helps combat climate change and promotes environmental sustainability.

3. Resilient Communities: Sustainable housing designs enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related challenges.

Conclusion

Addressing Australia's housing crisis requires a comprehensive approach that integrates affordability with sustainability. By adopting circular economy principles, Australia has the potential to create a housing sector that is resilient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

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For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here:
‍https://architectureau.com/articles/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes/ and https://theconversation.com/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes-208745

Reference:

https://theconversation.com/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes-208745

https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/403

https://architectureau.com/articles/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes/