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Interventions for sustainability attainment in affordable housing have received increasing attention from policy makers globally. However, policy-makers' interventions for sustainable affordable housing markets can be inefficient and even counterproductive. As such, among the diverse interventions available, a vital question is what are the potential efficient interventions? To address this question, the views of affordable housing experts (also knowledgeable in sustainable housing) around the world were solicited via a questionnaire survey to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable affordable housing. Relative significance analysis of the data led to the identification of 13 CSFs. Furthermore, agreement analysis revealed that there is no good agreement between respondents from the academic sector and those from the industrial sector on the ranking of the 13 CSFs. Moreover, through factor analysis, the CSFs were grouped into four underlying components: developer's enabling CSFs; household-demand enabling CSFs; mixed land use CSFs; land use planning CSFs. The research findings seek to inform policy-makers on the CSFs for efficient resource utilization for sustainable affordable housing market. Future study would establish a relationship between the CSFs and success criteria for sustainable affordable housing. • Interventions for sustainable affordable housing could be counterproductive. • Policies for sustainable affordable housing remain a pressing goal. • The findings could inform policy-makers on CSFs for sustainable affordable housing. • The findings could also guide policy-makers on resources use for sustainable affordable housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Studies on specific critical success criteria (CSC) for performance measurement of sustainable affordable housing projects are limited. This study aims to identify and classify the various CSC from the views of affordable housing experts around the world. 21 CSC were identified from a comprehensive literature review followed by a questionnaire survey on the identified 21 CSC. With 51 responses, the data were analyzed. Factor analysis indicated that the various CSC can be grouped into six components: household satisfaction CSC, stakeholders' satisfaction CSC, house operation cost CSC, time measurement CSC, location affordability cost CSC and quality-related CSC. Practically, the findings of this study can serve as a guide for assessing the performance of affordable housing projects as well as serving as a guide to developers, NGOs and government agencies in the allocation of resources for the provision of sustainable affordable housing. Future study would investigate the interrelationship between critical success criteria and critical success factors for sustainable affordable housing. Highlights • Sustainable affordable housing remains a priority for all governments and other policy makers. • Bridging the gap between sustainable housing and affordable housing is exigent. • The findings of this study can serve as a guide for assessing the sustainability performance of affordance housing projects. • The findings can also guide developers and policymakers for sustainable affordable housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: UK cities have been subject to severe social and economic pressures over the past few decades, which have had an uneven spatial impact on the urban environment and have given a rise to the concentration of the most deprived households in the worst urban neighbourhoods. The current government objective can be interpreted as an attempt to implement regeneration projects or create sustainable communities to improve quality of life. Housing is a key issue to consider in delivering healthy and attractive communities. Sustainable housing should be well available, high-quality, economical, ecological, aesthetical design, comfortable and cosy one, which would better suit the needs of a person. Furthermore, dwelling houses, apartments or, in other words, housing premises, must be set out according to the conditions of that locality and must meet the established technical and hygienic requirements. The article focuses on sustainable housing issue in the UK and a sustainable housing development model for communities is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates the causal relationships among 'institutional', 'economic', 'social' and 'environmental' sustainability barriers in addition to assessing their effects on sustainable housing. A questionnaire survey was conducted with professionals in the regulated sector of the Ghanaian housing market. Data collected were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed the following significant paths among the barriers: 'institutional barriers' to 'economic barriers' path is supported at a significance level of p <.05 at a t-value of 2.125; 'institutional barriers' to 'social barriers' path is also supported at a significance level of p <.05 at a t-value of 2.132 and likewise 'institutional barriers' to 'environmental barriers' path of p <.01 at a t-value of 3.740. Between the barriers and sustainable housing, both 'institutional barriers' and 'environmental barriers' have significant impacts on sustainable housing at t-values of 3.673 and 1.790 supported at p <.01 and p <.10, respectively. Three underlying barriers, viz: 'bureaucratic delays', 'policy instability' and 'weak enforcement of development control on land' accounted for all the significant paths of the 'institutional barriers'. Among them 'policy instability' has the highest loading, suggesting that it is the biggest barrier to sustainable housing. Essentially, the findings unraveled the causal-effect relationships among the four categories of barriers and a predictive model between the barriers and sustainable housing. Accordingly, the 'institutional barriers' are causal barriers that have multiplier effects on 'economic', 'social' and 'environmental' barriers. The findings of this study contribute to the global body of knowlege on housing by investigating the interactive effects of institutional, economic, social and environmental sustainability barriers on sustainable housing. This equips policymakers and practitioners with deeper knowledge, enabling effective decisions, policies and strategies to overcome the barriers and promote sustainable housing development and supply. • This paper employs partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). • Four barrier categories were established, viz: 'economic', 'social', 'environmental' and 'institutional' sustainability barriers. • Findings of the study revealed that institutional barriers have significant impacts on the other barrier categories. • Both the institutional barriers and environmental barriers have significant impacts on sustainable housing. • Among underlying institutional barriers, 'policy instability' has the highest loading; thus, it is the biggest barrier to sustainable housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The materials and energy sources needed for construction are limited by island conditions. Until recent decades, earth was widely used as a construction material in northern Cyprus due to its abundance and many technical advantages, however, as a construction material, earth is vulnerable to moisture. Ongoing research into gypsum-stabilized earth (known as Alker) at Istanbul Technical University since 1978 demonstrates the superior physical properties, increased durability, and human health benefits of this improved earthen material. This study examines the use of Alker as a wall material to contribute to sustainable development in Northern Cyprus. The historical building materials and environmental resources of Cyprus are investigated and documented to gain an idea of what is involved in the socio-cultural, economical, and ecological sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sustainable housing that both creates good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and avoids unnecessary energy use has proved difficult to realize. Renovations of multifamily houses provide an opportunity to find this balance. This study concerns whether tenants perceive that conditions for achieving sufficient IEQ with low energy use exist. Focus group interviews with 42 participants, in areas where the rents were in the lower range and included heating up to 21 °C, aimed to capture the tenants' perceptions of: IEQ and actions taken to regulate it; information and control; the connections between IEQ and energy use; and the role of the housing company. Good IEQ was crucial to interviewees, who described it as sufficient heat without draughts, ability to ventilate, and no disturbing sounds or smells. The main responsibility was attributed to the housing company, but daily regulation controlled by tenants. However, unclear interfaces between tenants and the systems that regulate IEQ make it difficult for tenants to act as a positive part of the system. Tenants did not link IEQ to energy use. A holistic view of the physical environment's affordances, including intuitive interfaces, could optimize the balance between good IEQ and energy use. • Tenants care about IEQ but leave the responsibility for energy use to the landlord. • Information on heating and ventilation is not recognized by tenants. • Thermostats and valves must be designed so that they can be used intuitively. • Contacts with the housing company impact how IEQ is understood and regulated. • Optimized balance between tenants, IEQ and energy requires a holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]