A new special issue of the journal ‘Buildings & Cities’ is shedding light on the pressing challenge of energy sufficiency in urban environments, a topic that has gained momentum as cities grapple with the dual pressures of climate change and population growth. Led by Marlyne Sahakian from the Department of Sociology at the University of Geneva, this research aims to explore how society can achieve decent living standards without breaching the planet’s ecological limits.
The issue is particularly timely, as the construction sector faces increasing scrutiny over its energy consumption and carbon footprint. “Sufficiency can be integrated into city planning, building design, and everyday household practices,” Sahakian notes, emphasizing that the concept of sufficiency is not just an abstract ideal but a practical approach that can reshape how we build and live. This shift could have profound implications for architects, developers, and policymakers, as they rethink traditional models of consumption and resource use.
The research presented spans various dimensions of energy sufficiency, from travel patterns and residential space occupation to communal resource sharing and heating practices. By focusing on these areas, the papers reveal a landscape of opportunities for the construction sector to innovate. For instance, the integration of energy-efficient designs and shared facilities could lead to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Sahakian highlights the potential benefits, stating, “Living well with less is not just possible; it can enhance quality of life for diverse populations.”
However, the findings also underscore the challenges that lie ahead. There is a pressing need to expand the geographical scope of research and to bridge existing gaps in understanding how sufficiency can be linked to prosperity. The study calls for a deeper exploration of actor-networks that facilitate sufficiency, transcending the traditional silos often seen in consumption domains and policy sectors.
As the construction industry looks to the future, the insights from this special issue could guide the development of more sustainable building practices and urban planning strategies. By embracing sufficiency, stakeholders in the construction sector can align their projects with global sustainability goals, potentially unlocking new markets and enhancing their competitive edge.
For those interested in delving deeper into this pivotal research, more information can be found through the University of Geneva’s sociology department at lead_author_affiliation. The implications of energy sufficiency in buildings and cities are vast, and as this body of work continues to evolve, it promises to influence the trajectory of the construction industry significantly.