People’s School on Environmental Sustainability and Affordable Housing October 5, 2022

THEMATIC BRIEF October 2022

People’s School on Environmental Sustainability and Affordable Housing October 5, 2022

The second online People’s School on Affordable Housing and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focused on environmental sustainability. Participants in this People’s School spoke from their perspectives in municipal councils, community organizing, and education. Ramzi Kawar from Housing Nova Scotia was the resource person.

Notably, this was our first public event after post-tropical storm Fiona tore a wide swathe through the Maritimes on September 23-24. With many regions still dealing with power outages and damages to many homes, the impact of Fiona was a recurring point of reference for participants—both in terms of the climatic changes this region is facing, and how this informs our planning for the future.

Analysis: Understanding the Connections The discussion opened with reflections on the application of the Sustainable Development Goals in addressing both housing needs and environmental protection. One participant expressed concern that the goal of economic growth presents a challenge to environmental sustainability—framing the discussions in terms of regeneration can be more helpful in understanding the need to reverse environmental destruction. Economic growth in its current form is not sustainable, it must be framed as part of the transformation to change traditional notions of prosperity.

Ramzi referred to Bill 57 in Nova Scotia that draws the link between sustainable prosperity and shared responsibility. With an Indigenous understanding of “two-eyed seeing,” we can look at economy and equity in a more circular way. Shifting the language to regeneration as sustainability is not enough, we need to re-invest in the environment not just sustain the current situation.

When looking specifically at housing, participants noted how there has been so much change in conditions and housing need in the past decade. Older reports are no longer relevant considering the impact of Covid. Addressing affordable housing need alone needs to be done in conjunction with overall housing supply. Communities cannot attract workers that are desperately needed for services like health care. Competing visions of development and

definitions of affordable or efficient building projects can make it a challenge to put forward creative solutions—what does sustainable planning look like? Too often it seems the solutions that are easy to reach are not always the ones that are sustainable in the long run. Also, in the midst of an immediate housing crisis, people are seeking rapid solutions. Participants also noted examples where innovative ideas faced roadblocks due to existing building codes or local regulations.

Actions: Community-Based Solutions One person described the need to go beyond conventional plans, and explore options tailored to smaller neighbourhoods that include an array of responses to increase sustainability at a local level, including food security and renewables—transforming suburbs to areas that generate energy and produce food. The importance of adapting plans to climate change and builds that are easier to maintain and repair with sustainable building materials was also noted. Community is key to making this work, so all partners feel engaged.

When sustainability is addressed from multiple perspectives—social, environmental, and financial—the linkages among multiple goals can be more apparent. The example of the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society’s projects demonstrates how integrating energy efficiency into the buildings reduces financial pressures and instability for the tenants, contributes money to pay for other social programs, and reduces the ecological footprint all at the same time. Sustainability is for the planet and the community.

A participant who described a community land trust initiative to reduce the impact of speculative market forces on properties is also intent on understanding ways to develop the community as well as the land in a sustainable way. Part of this process requires developing partnerships and rethinking standard ways of doing things. People who have resisted change, after Fiona, may now be open to discussion: “Let’s make this a worthwhile storm.”

Ramzi noted the possibility of energy independence by municipalities that could position them as leaders in renewable energy since they are legally allowed to generate their own energy. Local level initiatives employing wind, solar, and geothermal solutions are underway in several municipalities.

Accountability: Priorities for Sustainability Energy poverty was identified as a major barrier, with those who face high housing costs, in turn, also paying higher percentages of their income on heat and electricity. Much of the existing stock of affordable housing is in poor condition and was built using building codes that no longer reflect the current climatic reality. Ramzi explained that the idea of housing and sustainability has existed for decades, but much work needs to be done to turn ideas into action. Programs through Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund are now providing financial resources to help fund required upgrades. Ramzi noted the importance of looking at both the sources of

Thematic Brief: People’s School on Environmental Sustainability and Affordable Housing | Page 2

renewable energy available that are not reliant on fossil fuels, as well as how that energy use can be reduced through upgrades of insulation, heating systems, and hot water supplies.

These sources of funding do require proposal writing expertise making it hard for smaller communities and organizations to gain access. They are becoming aware of the opportunities but are seeking assistance on developing the skills to access the funds.

For more information on the People’s School series on Affordable Housing and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, visit this page: https://coady.stfx.ca/sdgs-andaffordable-housing-peoples-schools/