ABOUT THE THEME:
A GREEN URBAN FUTURE FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING​

As the world pursues strategies to combat climate change and promote greater sustainability and resilience, this has particular relevance for affordable housing. Low-income communities are very clearly impacted upon by climate change and the environment, often finding themselves in disaster-prone areas, and in accommodation that is poorly suited to withstand climate events.

At the same time, the commitment to deliver affordable housing at scale necessarily impacts on the environment – carbon emissions are significant in the building process, as well in the ongoing life of buildings once erected. In recognition of the very significant interaction of housing and the environment, regulators as well as investors are increasingly demanding a climate-responsive approach, setting standards for “green construction” and “green buildings”. This gets reinforced through the development of “green finance”, which has become central to the focus and capacity of the residential construction industry. But what does this mean for affordable housing?

While “green” impacts favourably on the long-term operating costs of housing, with reduced services costs, it is often expensive, adding to the capital costs associated with delivery. This can have an effect of placing “green” outside the reach of low-income consumers; or placing affordable housing delivery outside the scope of “green” investors and the capital they offer.​

A GREEN URBAN FUTURE FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING​

This year’s AUHF conference will explore these issues, showcasing innovation and challenging speakers, panelists and
participants to consider directly the application of “green” within the realities of affordable housing. With sessions focused on green building, green financing and green living, the conference will invite AUHF Members and other practitioners from around the world to offer their insights and experiences in realising a green urban future for affordable housing in Africa. An investor marketplace will seek to bring together investors and investments, promoting green affordable housing deals in Africa.

The conference which will be held in Cairo, Egypt, will also offer participants the opportunity to learn from the Egyptian experience, while also exploring Cairo’s particular housing challenges and successes. A site visit on the third day will take delegates to a number of affordable housing developments in the Cairo area.

The conference sits between two major international events: UN Habitat’s annual “Urban October” ends as we start AUHF2022. One week later, the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP 27) begins, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Between these two events, the focus of AUHF2022 on urban and green will allow for African affordable housing practitioners to input into the international dialogue. The “Cairo Declaration” to be agreed between the members at their AGM on the 2nd of November, will be fed into these and other dialogues to promote the importance and role of affordable housing in these global debates.​

SESSIONS:

The conference will be structured around four sessions, with multiple presentations and panel discussions in each. While we are planning for an in-person event, some speakers may be invited to participate virtually:

• • • A sustainable urban future in Egypt’s housing sector
    • Green building
    • Green financing
    • Green living