Energy-efficient housing plays a crucial role in addressing health concerns and alleviating the housing crisis in Indigenous communities, as per a recent report on Indigenous housing. The report, titled “Building Strength Through Shelter: Policy prescriptions for Indigenous Healthy Energy Homes,” revealed that nearly one in six Indigenous individuals reside in homes requiring significant repairs.
Carlyn Allary, a research associate at the Canadian Climate Institute, emphasized the often overlooked correlation between housing quality and health outcomes. According to Allary, investing in better, more resilient homes can reduce future repair needs and minimize health issues associated with substandard housing.
The report advocates for the construction of new energy-efficient homes and the application of similar principles to upgrade older housing stock. This approach is expected to enhance overall health outcomes and yield long-term economic benefits. Improved ventilation, mold prevention, and enhanced air quality are highlighted as additional benefits of energy-efficient housing.
Kayla Fayant, an energy-efficient coordinator at Indigenous Clean Energy, stressed the importance of well-insulated, ventilated homes constructed using high-efficiency materials. While these homes may entail higher initial costs and longer construction times, the report offers recommendations for expediting processes and diversifying funding options to facilitate their development.
Fayant pointed out that limited access to mortgages for individuals in Indigenous communities, like those in Fishing Lake Settlement, often leads to the selection of cheaper, quickly built homes. Consequently, overcrowding, moisture accumulation, mold growth, and inadequate ventilation contribute to the deterioration of housing conditions, exacerbating the housing crisis.
Despite the upfront expenses associated with energy-efficient housing, the report indicates a significant social return on investment, with every dollar invested yielding approximately $6.79 in benefits. The report underscores the need for collaboration among provincial/territorial governments, the federal government, and Indigenous communities to address housing disparities and meet diverse housing needs effectively.