Energy-efficient housing plays a crucial role in addressing health issues and resolving the housing crisis faced by Indigenous communities, as indicated in a recent report focusing on Indigenous housing.
According to the report titled “Building Strength Through Shelter: Policy prescriptions for Indigenous Healthy Energy Homes,” released by the Canadian Climate Institute and Indigenous Climate Energy, approximately one in six Indigenous individuals reside in homes requiring significant repairs.
Carlyn Allary, a research associate affiliated with the Canadian Climate Institute, emphasized the often-overlooked correlation between housing quality and health outcomes. Allary, a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, highlighted the importance of constructing more durable homes to reduce future maintenance needs and minimize health risks associated with substandard housing.
The report advocates for the construction of new energy-efficient homes and the application of similar principles to upgrade existing housing, aiming to enhance health outcomes and yield long-term economic benefits. Allary pointed out that while there is an initial cost involved in developing highly efficient and climate-resilient homes, the investment ultimately supports Indigenous communities and leads to cost savings over time.
Key benefits of energy-efficient housing outlined in the report include improved ventilation, mold prevention, and enhanced air quality. Kayla Fayant, an energy-efficient coordinator with Indigenous Clean Energy and a member of the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta, emphasized the importance of well-insulated, ventilated homes constructed using high-efficiency materials.
However, the report acknowledges that such construction methods can be more costly and time-consuming, prompting recommendations for governments to streamline processes and offer more flexible funding options. Fayant noted that many individuals in Indigenous communities, such as those in Fishing Lake Settlement, lack property ownership, making it challenging to obtain mortgages for necessary funding.
Fayant highlighted the consequences of substandard housing, including overcrowding and associated health risks like mold growth due to insufficient ventilation systems. She stressed the urgent need for improved housing solutions in Indigenous communities to address the current housing crisis effectively.
Allary emphasized the need for expedited construction of better-quality homes through stable and efficient funding mechanisms. She pointed out that limited funding often leads to the construction of cheaper, less resilient homes, neglecting the benefits of energy-efficient and climate-resilient designs.
Despite the upfront costs of energy-efficient housing, the report underscores the significant social return on investment, estimating that every dollar spent on such homes results in a return of approximately $6.79. Fayant referenced information indicating that homes in First Nations communities typically last only eight to ten years before requiring extensive repairs or reconstruction, perpetuating a cycle of inadequate housing.
Furthermore, the report aims to encourage collaboration between provincial/territorial governments and the federal government to address housing challenges while considering the unique needs of Indigenous communities.
