Domesticating a Methodology for Incorporating Green Building Principles in Informal Settlement Upgrading at Ndlambe Ecosun Green Village, South Africa

Purpose: The paper examines challenges for using transformative innovation policy to mobilize stakeholders, coordinate actor network, opening up of policies, embedding green buildings practices and niches as part of housing delivery norms and standards, learning and unlearning, stakeholders involvement and community participation in the delivery of green buildings, and processes required to enable green buildings as part of the housing socio-technical system. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper employed a qualitative approach for data collection. Informed by secondary data literature review and key informant interviews with policy stakeholders and community members, a methodology to be followed in domesticating sustainable green building principles and green building innovations in the upgrading of informal settlements as well as principles for the successful implementation of green buildings is offered in a manner that derive social- and local economic development outcomes of affected communities. Findings: Findings confirmed that the government plays an important role in setting out an environment and standards for the implementation of sustainable building practices. Practical Implications: Utilizing sustainable materials can also help to minimize environmental impacts such as global warming, resource depletion, and toxicity. Social Implications: Incorporating green building principles in Informal Settlements Upgrading will yield positive social impacts in that the use of innovative technology in the upgraded settlements Originality and Value: The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding sustainable green building innovations.