Izabela Rudzka

In recent years, a key challenge for most cities worldwide has been to eliminate or at least minimise the harmful impact of the pollution they generate on their own residents and surroundings. The authors have set themselves the goal of presenting current environmental issues and the possibilities for solving them, including the topic of undertaking pro-environmental actions and attitudes towards strategic development, particularly the implementation of eco-innovation in local government units. This is considered both at the current operational level and in terms of long-term strategic plans (through the application of solutions that take into account the principles of sustainable development or the ESG concept) with a focus on eliminating and/or mitigating environmental threats. The authors analysed examples from selected cities in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on their sustainable development strategies and the implementation of “green” investments. Various research methods were applied, including literature reviews, desk research, and quantitative, qualitative, and comparative analyses.

As statistics show, few people can afford to buy an apartment. Many people cannot even afford to rent. On the other hand, the overcrowding rate and the number of adults living permanently with their parents in Poland are among the highest in Europe. Outstanding architects and sociologists have been dealing with housing problems for many years. In many countries, research is conducted showing the importance and essence of the problem, not only in the economic context but also in the psychological, health, and social context that influences the behavior and attitudes of future generations. Access to housing is not only a question of ensuring safety, stability, and shelter; it also affects social relations that constitute the basis of the existence of the individuals and the families. Own house is a collection of meanings, codes, and symbols. It is a product of multi-faceted and multi-generational, interdependent values. Failure to understand these issues eliminates all forms of striving for sustainable development. This article aims to discuss the existing housing problem from diversified perspectives, with particular emphasis on the analysis of the current housing situation among adult Poles. The author will present the topic in some analogy to the condition of the 19th century alienated worker. Based on the conducted research, predictions about the intergenerational effects of the situation disrupting the city's sustainable development in its economic and social layer, having a significant impact on future generations, will also be formulated. Next, the author of the paper presents the results of research conducted from July to October 2020. The study was a part of expert analysis concerning an alternative mortgage lending model for residential purposes, commissioned by the Warsaw Banking Institute Foundation.