Prioritising Existing Buildings for People and Climate

Addressing climate change and the housing crisis demands a transformative approach to urban development. The concept of sufficiency—maximising the use of existing buildings while minimising new construction—emerges as a powerful strategy to meet these challenges. By reducing the demand for materials and energy, sufficiency reduces both embodied and operational carbon emissions, aligning with climate neutrality goals. This strategy also enhances affordability and inclusivity, providing quality housing without excessive resource consumption.

Europe faces pressing issues: underused buildings, growing urban sprawl, and a shortage of affordable housing. Remarkably, 34% of Europeans live in underoccupied homes. Measures such as repurposing vacant spaces, sharing housing, or downsizing can optimise the use of the existing building stock. Research suggests such approaches could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 16% and resource demands by over 60%. These interventions are often cost-effective, fostering community revitalisation and economic savings.

Social acceptance of sufficiency policies is higher than anticipated, particularly among older demographics open to innovative housing solutions. Furthermore, sufficiency integrates seamlessly with other climate policies, such as renewable energy transitions and energy efficiency upgrades.

The report calls for action across all governance levels to implement sufficiency policies, streamline building repurposing regulations, and encourage innovation in housing. Decision-makers must prioritise vacant building data, incentivise adaptive reuse, and align financial mechanisms to reduce reliance on new construction. Sufficiency not only supports the right to housing but also fosters equitable urban development within planetary boundaries.