In this policy brief, ZOE Institute outlines why and how European Union policies on housing and the built environment can be better designed to enable equitable “1.5-Degree Lifestyles” in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.   

Housing is one of three “hotspot” areas of carbon-intensive consumption both globally and within the EU. Demand-side policies in the housing sector would complement the improvement of energy efficiency and the spread of renewables by ensuring that emissions reductions are not offset by a rising demand for larger living spaces. To ensure basic needs are protected and policy measures target the most carbon-intensive consumption, equity considerations belong at the centre of policy measures in the housing sector.   

ZOE Institute’s recommendations for policies that equitably enable 1.5-Degree Lifestyles in the housing sector are as follows: 

  1. Financial support for shared or communal housing
  2. Neighbourhood approaches to urban zoning 
  3. Adaptable building use regulations  

The New European Bauhaus is a promising step toward reshaping the built environment. EU policymakers can build on this progress and unlock the full emissions reduction potential of enabling lifestyle changes through the built environment by exploring and implementing further innovative policy approaches such as those listed above.