Towards a Climate Neutral Housing Strategy for Egypt – Performance based Living-Action Levels and Responsibilities

Abstract Egypt’s population has recently exceeded 100 Million inhabitants; a figure that is anticipated to double within the coming 20-30 years. At a current 2% annual growth rate, changing socio economics needs, and anticipated demographic change; more than ever, has housing provision become a challenging proposition. Residential construction in Egypt amounts to 21% of the total construction output by value in 2015 in Egypt (9.548 Billion LE) which is almost equivalent to the construction output by value of powerplants (EGP 9.67Billion LE). In addition, the construction and demolition waste accounts for 44% of the total solid waste of 94 Million tons produced in Egypt. Given the scarcity of resources, the resultant CO2 emissions and pollution, in addition to Egypt’s commitment to the World Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); this paper, adopts a qualitative approach - literature review, to identify Egypt’s major housing challenges and potential solutions in light of SDG11. In this context, the concept of climate neutral design is investigated, different assessment tools are critically reviewed; and major components for strategy development are concluded in terms of levels and responsibilities. These are then used as a reference to reflect on Egypt housing strategies issued in 2016. This paper is exploratory in nature and is anticipated to furnish the ground for the following phase of the research to devise an action driven climate neutral housing strategy for Egypt.