Sustainable housing for young families
About this good practice
As a response to the outmigration of young people from the local community, this good practice focuses on enticing young people to enter the housing market, stay in Croatia and remain in the local community. Efforts to create attractive dwellings include a good location (close to the town centre and a bike sharing station), energy efficiency measures to reduce costs, such as windows and doors made of double insulated PVC, and affordable housing for young people through a subsidized national housing programme (see below).
Steps towards environmental sustainability is accomplished through focusing on high energy efficiency buildings in Energy Class A+ (15kW/m2) targeted to young people at an affordable cost. By using funds from a national programme for subsidized housing for young families, the project gave the opportunity to young people to buy their own property for a cost lower than market price, and thus to enter the housing market. The selection process was managed by the Agency for Subsidized Housing, operated by the City of Koprivnica, who made a list of criteria for the buyers.
The site location was another important feature. Its proximity to the town centre, kindergarten, school, markets and a wide range of other amenities and activities for kids and adults within walking distance made it appealing to young people and families. This assured flexibility through lifestyle changes among the residents, which is important for creating a family-oriented environment.
Resources needed
A total of 1,600,000€ for 24 units. This covered the production costs, including materials such as block bricks with 16cm heat insulation and a protective-decorative façade; sun protected glass surfaces; and automatic regulation system that ensures a minimum use of energy.
Evidence of success
Energy consumption of 15 kWh/m2 (Energy Class A+), with an affordable rate for those starting careers and families, is evidence of success. Now, 80 families live in 3 new buildings. Considering today's construction standards (Energy Class C, 75 kwh/m2) we calculated that energy savings for those 3 buildings are around 291 MWh/a, which means that CO2 savings are around 84 tCO2/a. Tenants move into the first building in 2011, into the second 2012 and into the third in 2014.
Potential for learning or transfer
The national program of subsidized housing for young familieis is a good example for how the government can help to support young people and as such enable them a good life in their own country rather than moving abroad. A national program like this also facilitates energy efficient dwelling provision for vulnerable residents (in this case for young people), which reduces the likelihood of energy poverty. The project also underlines the importance of selecting the right location to meet the needs of the targeted demographics.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Agency for socially subsidized housing construction city of Koprivnica