Social inequality often forces vulnerable populations to occupy high-risk areas, compromising their well-being and degrading the environment. This study proposed a sustainable housing model for the residents of the Passo Fundo community in Lages, Santa Catarina, who currently occupy a flood-prone area irregularly. The proposed model is based on a modular house equipped with rainwater harvesting systems, photovoltaic panels, and solar collectors. Economic feasibility was analyzed, and the model was environmentally compared to conventional housing options. The results demonstrated that implementing one or more green technologies aligns with the housing financing criteria, making it accessible to the target population. The environmental impact analysis highlighted the severe negative impacts associated with the residents’ current conditions, but showed a substantial reduction in these impacts with the adoption of the proposed model. Ultimately, the study successfully presented a social housing model that balances environmental and economic aspects, offering a practical solution for improving living conditions in vulnerable communities.
Zuglianello et al. (Wed,) studied this question.