Announced at COP28 on 6 December, the initiative continues the sustainable development consultancy’s longstanding commitment to help the most marginalised communities around the world enjoy a safer and more resilient future. As part of the Roof Over Our Heads (ROOH) campaign, a pilot project will be delivered with the Rasulabad Informal Settlement in Surat, India.

The pilot will bring together local and global climate expertise and technical insight to support the settlement with preparing for and dealing with extreme weather events. The programme focuses on expanding the community’s access to carbon-neutral and affordable materials, as well as informing and assisting with housing design to improve energy efficiency and ensure adaptability in response to the impacts of climate change.

By providing optimal solutions that are low-cost, user-friendly and climate resilient, the ROOH aims to deliver a lasting positive impact for the local community and its future generations.

Launched in 2022, the ROOH campaign aspires to improve informal settlements’ access to safe and decent housing, as the communities most affected by the consequences of climate change. Led by the Society for Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC), with Slum Dwellers International (SDI), Global Resilience Partnership, and in collaboration with the UN High-Level Champions, the initiative was identified as one of the five priority areas outlined by SDI’s women federation network in Asia and Africa.

Arup’s Sowmya Parthasarathy, a fellow and UKIMEA Board member, said: “With over a billion people now living in informal settlements globally, we have a responsibility to identify, test and implement affordable housing solutions that will be both resilient and adaptable in the face of climate change.

“It’s our challenge to ensure those with the least resources in society, and in areas of the world most vulnerable to extreme weather, are as safe as possible, both now and in years to come.”

SPARC director Sheela Patel said: “Our Roof Over Our Heads campaign combines advocacy with impactful ground initiatives. The nine labs in India exemplify our commitment to action. The ROOH Secretariat strategically collaborates with partners and women’s groups to identify cities and informal settlements based on a developed framework. Our goal is to create meaningful change for vulnerable communities.”