CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

public and private housing projects has gained significant attention in recent years,

particularly in the context of addressing the growing challenges of urbanization and

climate change.

This literature review aims to explore the existing body of research that explains

the differences and similarities in sustainable practices employed within public and

private housing sectors. By synthesizing previous studies, this review not only focus on

the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable housing developments but also emphasizes

the practical implications that these differing approaches entail for effective urban

planning and community resilience.

Sustainable Design and Development

Sustainable design and development focus on creating environments that

minimize negative impacts on the natural environment while maximizing social and

economic benefits. This approach is increasingly recognized as essential in both public

and private housing projects. Sustainable design principles include optimizing site

potential, minimizing energy consumption and waste, using environmentally preferable

products, conserving water, and improving indoor air quality. These principles not only

address ecological concerns but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents

through healthier living conditions. The projects adhering to sustainable design often

integrate green spaces, promote energy efficiency, and prioritize materials with low
environmental impact, thereby fostering sustainable communities that are adaptable to

changing needs and climate conditions (Gasparini, 2023).

Public housing initiatives have increasingly adopted sustainable design as a

framework to enhance the livability and resilience of communities. The emphasis on

sustainable practices has shown to significantly reduce operational costs over time,

contributing to long-term affordability. In contrast, private housing developments often

leverage sustainable design to differentiate themselves in a competitive market,

promoting eco-friendly features as key selling points. Nevertheless, both sectors share

a common goal: to create housing solutions that are not only resource-efficient but also

economically viable and socially responsible, addressing the pressing issues of

urbanization, resource depletion, and climate change. This alignment of environmental

and economic goals exemplifies the critical role of sustainable design in shaping the

future of housing.

Sustainable Housing Projects

Various studies have explored the critical role of sustainable housing in mitigating

environmental impacts and fostering social equity. Sustainable housing projects are

designed to minimize resource consumption and environmental footprint while

promoting social inclusivity and affordability (Biro, 2023). This is particularly relevant for

public housing, which often aims to serve marginalized communities and provide

affordable accommodation options. The integration of sustainability principles into

private housing projects, on the other hand, frequently focuses on maximizing energy
efficiency and reducing operational costs, aligning with market-driven approaches

(Moore & Doyon, 2023).

One of the factors in the distinction between public and private housing projects

is the influence of regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms. Public housing

projects are usually subject to more stringent governmental regulations and funding

constraints, which can impact their design and sustainable practices. In contrast, private

developers may enjoy greater flexibility and innovation in implementing sustainable

design strategies, driven by competitive market advantages. However, this flexibility can

also lead to instances of gentrification, where rising property values may displace

existing low-income residents (Biro, 2023).

Additionally, the use of renewable materials and technologies is another area of

divergence in the sustainability approaches of public and private housing projects.

Research indicates that while public projects often adopt a holistic approach that

considers long-term sustainability impacts, private projects sometimes favor short-term

cost benefits, leading to a lower overall sustainability score (Fell & Mattsson, 2021). The

challenge lies in balancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability, which

remains a critical objective for both sectors to achieve sustainable urban development

(Robles, Pico & Hosseini, 2022).

The landscape of sustainable design and development in public and private

housing projects is intricate and multifaceted. A comprehensive understanding of the

similarities and differences can inform policymakers, practitioners, and scholars in

crafting strategies that address the pressing issues of housing sustainability while

fostering equitable urban environments.

Housing Projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE

A study assessed the sustainability and satisfaction levels within public housing

projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It examined the architectural and social aspects of housing

units, urban design, and their contributions to residents' quality of life through the

Estidama rating system. The study outlined how government-led initiatives strive to

create environmentally friendly and socially cohesive communities, highlighting the

integration of local materials and energy-efficient designs to enhance sustainability

(Ibrahim, 2020).

Further investigations have shown that public housing policies are increasingly

aligned with sustainable practices, targeting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and

community engagement. These initiatives often focus on retrofitting existing structures

and constructing new homes that adhere to rigorous sustainability criteria, emphasizing

long-term benefits over short-term costs.

Public Housing Projects in New York City

A study evaluated the implementation of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design) framework within public housing projects in New York City,

demonstrating significant reductions in energy consumption and improvements in indoor

air quality (Roberts & Todd, 2009). This research highlighted how adherence to

standardized sustainability certifications can optimize building performance while

fostering healthier living environments for residents.

In countries like Denmark and Austria, comprehensive policies promote

sustainable building practices that emphasize community participation, eco-friendly

materials, and effective waste management systems. These studies reveal that

integrating sustainability into planning processes can significantly enhance the

environmental performance of housing projects. Denmark’s Friland community

exemplifies how residents actively participate in building their homes with sustainable

materials, leading to a collective commitment to maintain environmental stewardship

and reduce carbon footprints (Hayward, 2024).

Local Studies

Sustainable Design Principles in Philippine Housing

Sustainable design principles are increasingly recognized as essential in

addressing the environmental challenges facing the Philippines. A significant study

highlights that the Philippine National Climate Action Plan identifies green building as

pivotal in developing housing that adapts to climate change (Oomen, [Link]., 2023). This

framework emphasizes the integration of environmentally friendly materials, energy

efficiency, and waste management practices in both public and private housing sectors,

forming a basis for comparative studies.

Public and Private Housing

public and private housing projects. Public housing initiatives often face limitations due

to budget constraints and regulatory hurdles, which can impede the adoption of

advanced sustainable technologies (Salzer, [Link]., 2017). In contrast, private housing

developers are increasingly integrating innovative green technologies, driven by

consumer demand for eco-friendly homes and potential cost savings over time. Studies

demonstrate that private projects tend to implement comprehensive sustainability

measures more effectively than public counterparts, which frequently focus on basic

compliance with regulations.

Green Building Code in the Philippines

The introduction of the Green Building Code in the Philippines serves as a critical

development aimed at promoting sustainability across housing projects. This code

establishes standards that affect both public and private housing developments, though

studies reveal that compliance levels vary widely (Evangelista, n.d). A study

documented that while many private developers actively pursue LEED or BERDE

certifications, public projects often lag behind due to bureaucratic processes and limited

resources. The effectiveness of these regulations can significantly influence project

outcomes in terms of sustainability and environmental performance, suggesting a need

for more streamlined processes to enhance public sector participation.