Reimagining Progress: Beyond Growth

Progress has been a simple equation: economic growth measured by GDP. The endless upward climb promised solutions to everything from poverty to pollution. But the reality hasn't lived up to the promise. It's time to redefine progress before the changing climate becomes irreversible.

The Allure of Growth

Growth is appealing. We see it in thriving gardens and children reaching their full potential. No wonder we embraced it as the economic ideal, adopting the "more is better" mantra. Yet, nature teaches us that endless growth is unsustainable. Everything eventually reaches maturity, focusing on health and well-being rather than constant expansion. As Janine Benyus, a pioneer in biomimicry, reminds us, trees prioritise distributing resources to their entire being, stopping growth once that function is compromised.

The Growth Addiction

Cheap fossil fuels in the 20th century fueled rapid growth, which became ingrained in our economic systems. This has led to policies – from credit creation to dividends – that rely on perpetual growth, even if it doesn't translate to well-being. We've inherited economies that prioritize growth over prosperity.

Desperate Measures

The consequences of clinging to this outdated model are clear. Governments resort to desperate measures to reignite growth: deregulation leading to bubbles and crashes, dismantling worker protections, and privatisation undermining public services. Even accounting practices distort the picture, assigning a price tag to "ecosystem services" while simultaneously enabling fossil fuel exploration despite climate change commitments.

A New Definition of Progress

Instead of chasing endless growth, we should strive for well-being for all within a thriving planet. After all, the housing crisis is about inequality and uneven distribution. We can build many more homes and still have a catastrophic housing problem. It requires a new definition of progress: a dynamic balance that meets everyone's basic needs while protecting our environment. The challenge lies in creating economies in wealthy nations that can thrive without constant expansion.

The Housing Sector's Role

Building a new home creates around 50 tonnes of CO2. Steel, concrete, and aluminium production contribute heavily to carbon emissions. Here's where Housing Associations can lead the charge:

Measure and Analyze Emissions: Understand your environmental footprint by measuring energy consumption across existing properties.
Focus on Refurbishment: Stop building new and channel expertise and resources towards retrofitting existing buildings instead of constructing new ones.
Green Renovation: Develop a plan to insulate, improve ventilation, and install renewable heating systems in all properties.
Empowering Tenants: Educate tenants on energy conservation and offer incentives for sustainable choices.
Green Jobs Revolution: Train and equip yourselves to handle energy-efficient renovations, creating new green jobs.

Time for Change

A radical review is needed now. We must move beyond the outdated concept of growth and focus on building a future that prioritises well-being and a healthy planet. Leading Housing Associations have the potential to drive this revolution.

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Homing in on the public sector

Published in The Guardian, 8th February 1995

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Housing: creative solutions

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