Examining the sustainability challenges and opportunities around energy transitions within the community housing system in Canada: A participatory study using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping

Runa Das was granted Research and Professional Development funds to research residents’ perception on planning approaches to reducing green house gases emissions in community housing.

Reducing GHG emissions will require energy transitions in all sectors, including the housing sector. This includes community housing, which is both an integral component of the solution and an area of potential opportunity for implementing strategies to meet national emissions reduction targets. Municipalities and social housing are willing to invest in sustainable renovations and innovations; however, social inclusion objectives are often not adequately met. Understanding the residents’ perception on the energy transition in the community housing system (CHS) in Canada is a critical step toward better inclusion, and this can be done through integrated, participatory planning approaches.