Citizens as agents of change in decarbonizing suburban and rural housing (DECARBON-HOME)

DECARBON-HOME studies the intertwined the climate-related and social challenges which necessitate a major transition in the Finnish housing system. The focus areas are the suburbs of the 1960s and 1970s and the rural peripheral areas, where the need for climate-wise housing is the most urgent as well as social challenges particularly evident. The challenges in these areas result in the most critical housing stock regarding climate change mitigation being typically inhabited by the most vulnerable social groups (e.g. elderly, immigrants and unemployed). These impose new requirements for sustainable building and housing renovations, including their material, technological and human aspects. Analyzing the pre-conditions for the wider adoption of innovative solutions, energy overhauls and other mitigation technologies, the project supports and enhances the nation-wide transition to climate neutral, socially equitable, and inclusive residential communities.

University of Vaasa project focuses on citizens’ and communities’ agency in the practices and discourse of socially equitable climate-wise housing and living. The researchers of our university come from marketing (consumer research) and communication studies.

Resposible researcher at the University of Vaasa: Henna Syrjälä

Research team: Henna Syrjälä, Merja Koskela, Liisa Kääntä, Eveliina Salmela, Charlotta Harju