How the structure of the Australian housing development industry influences climate change adaptation

Abstract

The separation of Australian housing production from its consumption has long-term consequences for sustainability in the built environment, and for anticipatory adaptation to climate change. This article investigates how the institutional structure of the Australian private housing development industry influences its risk profile and its ability to innovate, particularly in the type of housing produced. Consumers on the other hand are reluctant to invest in climate-adapted housing, particularly if adaptive products are costlier. Using the results of a multi-method study, including a questionnaire survey and a series of interviews and focus groups, the broader issue of sustainability in housing development is revealed. The article highlights the complex and diverse structure of the various players in the development industry, and shows how their position within the broader structure of the housing and financial market influences their adaptive capacity.

Keywords:

• Urban
• housing development
• climate change
• adaptation

Funding

This work was supported by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) [project number SD11 07, grant number 215679].

Notes

1 When quoting, individuals are referred to by the type of firm (i.e. CS—Consultant, and an arbitrary number).

2 Only unique firms are shown, as some participated in both the survey and interviews; and final numbers are less than the total n, due to some respondents not completing all sections of the survey.

3 Based on that of the UDIA (Queensland) categorisation, and approximating that of Rowley et al. (2014) albeit with a higher cut-off for smaller firms.

4 Of these, four were consultancy firms, and one was a large development firm.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) [project number SD11 07, grant number 215679].