Following the catastrophic damage inflicted by the recent hurricane season, commercial real estate owners and community stakeholders witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change and the risks it poses to real property. Areas that have historically never been affected by these natural disasters were unprepared for the devastation that storms and flooding can inflict on people and property, leading to total loss of personal property, which will inevitably lead to higher insurance claims and thus higher future premiums, if these locales can even be insured at all moving forward. To ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in perceived vulnerable and unsuspecting communities, measures must be taken to address climate change.

Part of the solution will be consideration toward the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), which promotes building at higher elevations and implementing flood-proofing measures to safeguard homes.

Decarbonization is another tool that many are adopting, as it is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which directly impact the climate and global warming, as well as rising sea levels and storm patterns. Electrification is another design choice that shifts reliance from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy like solar, geothermal, and wind power can also temper the strain on utilities and infrastructure, delaying the need to invest in improvements and upgrades.

Fire, wind, and seismic risks must also be addressed in affordable housing designs. Wildfires and earthquakes are becoming more frequent and severe in already vulnerable regions. Resilient building codes, fireproof materials, and wind-resistant structures can mitigate damage, ensuring safer living environments, and minimizing the property's downtime.

Related utility costs need to be manageable, as high energy bills can negate the affordability of housing. A positive aspect in all these advancements, is that they have been proven to lower utility and operating costs, resulting in real savings for owners and residents, lending to housing affordability over time. By addressing these climate risks proactively, affordable housing will not only protect its residents but also reduce long-term repair and rebuilding costs, contributing to overall housing sustainability.

Environmental Health and Safety

Not to be overshadowed by climate change, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) should be assessed to ensure the well-being of residents and promote equitable living environments. Environmental justice plays a vital role in this effort, as low-income and marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. These populations tend to live in areas with higher exposure to pollution and contaminants, which can lead to long-term health issues. Incorporating environmental justice and compliance holds property owners accountable to their residents and helps eliminate concerns, ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to a safe and healthy living environment.

Zoning and location decisions are also critical, as are the ways we go about appraising and assessing historically underserved and/or minority communities, which were built in more industrial parts of cities and towns, many times on or near brownfields, with no precedence or transparency for clean-up activities. While redevelopment of plighted or dilapidated parcels can provide inherent costs savings at the initial land investment, and result in a transformation of once undesirable, undervalued urban areas, infill projects require rigorous clean-up and mitigation to ensure the land is safe for residential use. Without proper remediation, residents may face exposure to harmful substances, such as PFAS, that can impact their long-term health and viability.

More specific environmental hazards like radon, asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), and lead in drinking water (LIDW) must also be thoroughly addressed during the preservation and new development process. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate in homes and significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. ACM and LBP, when disturbed, can release dangerous particles that cause respiratory and neurological issues. LIDW poses long-term risks to residents and would require mitigation as required by the state.

Mitigating these hazards requires careful planning, remediation, and monitoring throughout the construction and occupancy phases. By addressing these environmental health and safety risks proactively, affordable housing can provide not just shelter, but also a safe, supportive environment that fosters healthy living, continued growth, and prosperity. Homes that are free from environmental hazards can also reduce healthcare costs, prevent future expenses, and create sustainable, resilient residents and communities.

Services and Affordability

In addition to just shelter, addressing key services and affordability factors could help support and improve residents' quality of life. Community-based services are beneficial, as they promote social cohesion and provide residents with access to local resources, helping them thrive within their neighborhoods.

Connectivity is a vital component to healthy communities and housing. Reliable access to transit systems allows residents to commute to work and school more easily, as well as retail and services, reducing transportation costs and improving economic mobility. Similarly, access to affordable or free Wi-Fi is critical for education, job opportunities, and healthcare, particularly in our evolving digital world.

Food deserts, areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food and groceries, should be addressed as part of the solution to affordable housing. Developers should choose projects with access to grocery stores or community markets, or offer partnerships with food providers to ensure residents have access to nutritious food.

Access to essential services like healthcare and education should be considered as well. Proximity to clinics and hospitals allow at risk residents to receive timely medical care. Moreover, schools should provide access to quality education leading to opportunities that will support upward mobility and independence and self-sufficiency. By addressing these service and affordability factors, affordable housing can create sustainable communities where residents have the tools and support needed for long-term success.

Looking Ahead

Safe, affordable, and quality housing is fundamental to healthier living and improving overall quality of life. These efforts contribute to fostering equity, reducing stigma around affordable housing, and building communities where all individuals can thrive, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. Partner's team of sustainability professionals, environmental health and safety consultants, and affordable housing experts, help all stakeholders, including Housing Authorities, developers and residents achieve their project goals and tackle vital issues to help mitigate risks and maintain the value of their properties.