Planning support in estimating green housing opportunities for different socioeconomic groups in Nanjing, China

Abstract

The sustainable city concept is often criticized for being unaffordable for the majority. To cater for various socioeconomic groups, it is essential that planners consider both affordability and sustainability. We provide planners with a methodology for estimating green housing potential for various socioeconomic groups in Nanjing, China, with reference to their green housing preferences and budgets. Results indicate that under the current situation the lower-middle class can barely afford a green apartment. If the metro network is extended, the green housing opportunities for the lower-middle class will increase in the central districts if they trade housing size for location. If heavy industries are relocated, green housing opportunities for the upper-middle class will increase in the central districts, but the lower-middle and middle classes will be pushed to the suburbs. Results also show that development of greenfields will provide more options for each socioeconomic group than redevelopment of brownfields.