Is the dream of building sustainable and inclusive housing possible? Latin America has green comparative advantages: IDB

Given the importance of the housing construction In the economies of the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, this activity has the potential to transition to a more sustainable and inclusive construction of homes, due to its green comparative advantages, such as renewable electricity and the natural resources it has.

According to an analysis by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Latin America and the Caribbean contribute 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions; however, only 2.2% of investments in the region are considered environmentally sustainable.

In this context, and given the importance of the construction sector in contributing to the economies of the region, it becomes necessary for the housing construction move towards a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem.

“Construction is growing and it is doing so because of the need of both the public sector (considering it as a key lever to rebuild better and create jobs), and the private sector (in search of profitability). We must take advantage of this interest so that the Home building grow in a sustainable and inclusive way”, can be read in the analysis published on the IDB blog, authored by Maria Elena Acosta Maldonado, a consultant for the international organization.

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The analysis states that thanks to the resources available to the region, it can contribute to improving the sustainability of the sector in all its links, in aspects such as:

• Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improvement of living conditions through the efficient use of the environmental and socio-cultural conditions of the environment.
• Promotion of economic solutions consistent with urban development and land use policies.

“To achieve more sustainable and resilient homes, building codes are a fundamental tool. Unfortunately, the current codes are far from universal, and in the countries where they are implemented, they are generally not aligned with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Regulation path and certifications

Within the document, it is explained that governments must implement policies so that the housing construction play a leading role in sustainability.

“The role of the competent authorities in the sector is vital, so they should assume their responsibility”, the analysis refers to and adds that the important points of the governments are:

• Ensure environmental sustainability.
• Respect environmental protection zones.
• Promote sustainable construction through housing typologies adapted to different climatic floors, to guarantee thermal comfort.
• Optimize the consumption of energy and drinking water.
• Promote waste management, both from construction and domestic generation.
• Ensure compliance with protection measures for construction workers.

In this scenario, the analysis indicates that there have been efforts with sustainable construction certifications, such as the EcoCasa program in Mexico, CES in Chile, Casa Colombia, the MUPI environmental evaluation system in Ecuador, or Casa Azul in Brazil.

Bet for inclusion

Another aspect highlighted by the analysis is the need for the housing construction be more inclusive, with men playing a leading role despite the fact that women are the main managers of access to a home.

“The trend of gender gaps in the general economy is reflected in lower female labor participation with lower wages. However, the economic recovery should invite us to promote the inclusion of women in the sector,” the document states.

Given this, the analysis suggests a greater participation of women in aspects such as design, construction, housing marketingas well as in promoting technical training processes and involvement in decision-making.

“Their involvement strengthens the leadership capacities of women, qualifies their workforce, expanding their opportunities to generate income, savings when doing work in their households or providing services in their communities,” the analysis describes.

The document highlights that with the sustainable housing construction and in a more inclusive way, it is possible to reduce the housing deficit in the region, estimated at more than 23 million homes.

“building houses in a more sustainable and inclusive way, we reduce the housing deficit, while maximizing the potential of the sector as a reactivator of the economy. All of this while offering vulnerable populations the opportunity to participate and taking care of the planet,” the document stated.