Details zur Publikation |
| Kategorie | Textpublikation |
| Referenztyp | Buchkapitel |
| Titel (primär) | Constraints on community participation in sustainable social housing upgrading caused by the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Titel (sekundär) | Sustainability and ecological transition in the post-covid era: Challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change and energy transitions |
| Autor | Pößneck, J.; Kabisch, S. |
| Herausgeber | García-Mira, R.; Schweizer-Ries, P.; García-Fontán, C. |
| Erscheinungsjahr | 2023 |
| Department | SUSOZ |
| Seite von | 89 |
| Seite bis | 109 |
| Sprache | englisch |
| Topic | T5 Future Landscapes |
| Keywords | Covid 19; Participaction; Trust; Refurbishment |
| Abstract | During COVID-19, there
have been significant constraints on community
participation. These have
to be critically reflected upon, as they
hinder the process of sustainable housing upgrading. In this context, energy-efficient retrofitting and the age-appropriate renovation
of existing rental
housing are indispensable measures. The entire
process has been
made especially challenging by COVID-19 due to
social and physical
distancing. Two issues are particularly worth
highlighting here: firstly,
residents are prevented from meeting
with others in
their community, which affects their opportunities
for participation. This
makes it difficult or even impossible for
residents to prepare
for and discuss planned refurbishments and
their effects. Secondly,
investments in upgrading can lead to higher
rents. Low-income households in particular are afraid that they will
not be able
to afford them because of income restrictions, which
is additionally exacerbated by COVID-19. To combat this, intensive community participation
from the very beginning of the refurbishment process
is essential in order to resolve uncertainties and concerns,
and establish trust. This paper focuses on the social aspects of sustainable housing upgrading. On-site empirical investigations are necessary to address this topic with the aim of identifying conflicts and finding appropriate solutions. It is essential to be in close contact with the residents’ community, as well as with the housing companies, in order to understand their intentions, expectations and perceptions. This requires a sensitive approach and personal contact, which is an important basis for building trust between the researchers and all the stakeholders involved. However, social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic have placed limits on empirical research designs. Communication is restricted to phone calls, video conferences and email exchange. Additionally, it should be noted that not everyone has access to these channels. Co-creation and cooperation are difficult to achieve. However, we adapted our research design to the circumstances, and pursued the following research hypotheses: H1: Constraints on community participation result in the risk of landlords using the COVID-19 situation to pursue their upgrading goals without considering the interests, doubts and concerns of the residents. H2: Constraints on community participation result in the risk of upgrading measures being restricted to the lowest levels, which do not meet the needs of the residents. H3: Constraints on community participation result in the risk of ‘voiceless’ residents not being heard, causing a weakening of social cohesion on a neighbourhood level. It turns out that opportunities for participation depend primarily on the landlords and their strategies, although the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated certain constraints. When it comes to municipal housing companies, the level of upgrading and the consideration of the residents’ needs are intertwined with financial issues. In all cases, however, building trust – while time-consuming – is crucial for successful community participation. |
| dauerhafte UFZ-Verlinkung | https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=28036 |
| Pößneck, J., Kabisch, S. (2023): Constraints on community participation in sustainable social housing upgrading caused by the COVID-19 pandemic In: García-Mira, R., Schweizer-Ries, P., García-Fontán, C. (eds.) Sustainability and ecological transition in the post-covid era: Challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change and energy transitions Institute for Psychological Studies and Research "Xoan Vicente Viqueira", A Coruña, p. 89 - 109 |
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