Knowledge Agora

Title	Policy tensions in demolition: Dutch social housing and circularity
ID_Doc	8740
Authors	Jonker-hoffren, P
Title	Policy tensions in demolition: Dutch social housing and circularity
Year	2023
Published	Buildings & Cities, 4.0, 1
Abstract	The circular economy principles in Dutch housing policy are examined through the intersection of national policies in local governance. The performance agreement between municipality, housing corporation and tenant organisations is a central instrument to achieve municipal housing policy objectives. A case study of Rotterdam shows the dominant discourse revolves around notions of social housing oversupply and the benefits of social mix. The policy goal is to achieve 'balanced neighbourhoods' by 2030. This discourse is challenged by actors that dismiss social housing oversupply and rather note a social housing shortage. The dominant discourse is also challenged by the financial capacity of housing corporations to create social housing and the effects of policy on their market segment. An emerging second discourse revolves around the role of circular demolition and how it can fulfil goals at the intersection of housing and climate policy. Circularity is shown to be based largely on the inventory of materials resulting from the demolition of social housing. It is framed not only as a solution to reducing emissions but also as a political issue with negative consequences for the social acceptability of climate policies.
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