Housing affordability in New Zealand is a hot political and social topic. Home ownership is falling as rapidly rising house prices in the main centres puts home ownership beyond the reach of many. The poor quality of housing stock also has major implications on the health and wellbeing of occupants. Unaffordable housing is both socially and environmentally unsustainable and this summit considers how the issues of affordability can be addressed without compromising on housing quality and sustainability.

In: scoop.co.nz

Despite the influx of foreign investment, sustained economic growth, and successful government developments, housing in South Africa has yet to strike a balance between affordable construction and ultra-modern design.

See more at: afkinsider.com

With more than 9 billion people expected on our increasingly resource-scarce planet by 2050, meeting the global challenges of more people and dwindling resources are the key issues facing home builders today. Adding to this situation is a dramatic rise of new middle classes in countries across the world, all demanding higher standards of living, including air-conditioned houses and cars, computers and other technologies, all of which require energy.

André Veneman is corporate director of Sustainability forAkzoNobel.

In: environmentalleader.com