Energy efficiency improvement strategy in mixed income housing development: A case of Cosmo City Johannesburg

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the social, environmental and financial benefits (including the impact thereof) of implementing energy and thermal efficiency technologies Solar Water Heating (SWH) and passive thermal intervention in low income housing development project. Problem of investigation: South African housing backlog is estimated at 2.1 million households that do not have access to adequate housing. The housing subsidy which is government assistance to household to access housing does not include the provision of ceilings or geysers and it is noted that 54% of household in South Africa do not have geysers. Cosmo City located north of Johannesburg K553 emerged out of an urgent need to provide accommodation for the informal settlers of Zevenfontein and Riverbend who had been illegally occupying privately owned land 25km to the North West of the Johannesburg Central Business District CBD. These informal settlements were characterized by substandard living conditions, low level of income, high unemployment, low level of education and limited access to basic services. The development of Cosmo City as a mixed income housing project in South Africa is aimed at addressing complex and peculiar circumstances as compared to other international experiences. The units which range between, 36 m² and 40 m² were fitted with energy efficiency interventions which included Solar Water Heating (SWH) system by Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Hence, this investigation tends to review this project and question the extent to which this intervention has assisted in reducing electricity cost for the households and enhance comfort and quality of life of the residents with associated behavioural change as well as promotion of sustainable environmental practices. Design/Methodology: This investigation will be based on primary data, sample interview of 30 residents of the low income housing as well as secondary data. Both published and unpublished literatures will equally be used in this study, as well as focus group discussions and interviews with the beneficiaries, the principal developers and City of Johannesburg representatives. Conclusion: Result of the findings indicates that the occupants of the units with SWH were able to save R250 per month as compared to residents in normal electricity grid. There is also reduction in carbon emission resulting from the use of paraffin for heating and improved environmental education programme.