Saving the environment one coliving space at a time
Living communally not only creates an open community where you can bloom in your own personal wellbeing, but it also has numerous positive impacts that can greatly benefit the environment.
This is something that has become increasingly important with the climate crisis being at the forefront of political movements around the world. Sustainable forms of housing, such as coliving, could have a powerful mitigating effect on this climate crisis.
A key environmental benefit attained through coliving is the ability to reduce energy consumption through sustainably responsible spaces. The actual construction of coliving spaces is often eco-friendly; for instance, viable and energy efficient building materials and appliances are used. Specifically, alternative systems for heating and electricity generation, such as solar panels are increasingly put in place, all lowering the carbon footprint. Furthermore, less material and resources all up are used during construction as the space is built to house large numbers of people compared to a home built for a single family.
People can then work together, often by participating in the construction of the space itself and the installations within. For example, a coliving community called Diggers, in the British seaside town of Brighton, worked to build sustainable timber frame houses which were later converted into a coliving space. The work they carried out then gave them a financial, as well as a personal stake in their home.
Coliving spaces also take up less land area compared to other housing; a home for many within one building. This increase in housing density is an efficient utilisation of space in what is becoming an increasingly urbanized world. Energy consumption is also reduced as heat loss is contained with fewer external walls compared to detached houses. As a result, there are lower daily living costs since there are lower energy requirements.
The central idea behind coliving is living with purpose by focusing on building an ecosystem of support, connection, and collaboration. Within this system of community support, all kinds of resources are shared, swapped and borrowed. This encourages community members to create more sustainable everyday routines. This also helps to reduce waste and consumption. Most coliving spaces have shared electric cars, with bikes and other modes of transport available to rent. Domestic appliances and tools can be used communally. Clothes are swapped, books and children’s toys are passed on.
Sustainable practices and pro-environmental behaviours, such as better recycling, composting, using less hot water and heat and carpooling are greatly encouraged. Doing your best to look after the environment is a norm within coliving spaces and discussion on how to be more sustainable is shared, encouraging community interaction.
Furthermore, there are shared communal cooking spaces, where community members can cook, bake and eat together, ordering ingredients in bulk, which both saves money and cuts down on food wastage, as well as reducing energy use. Leftovers are refrigerated or saved for lunches the next day. Many coliving spaces also have shared communal gardens, with organic vegetable patches and orchards. A coliving space called Old Hall in Suffolk, shares more than 70 acres of land with their own cows, chickens, pigs and sheep. Most of their food is grown on their land as well.
Coliving thus helps you to have a smaller footprint, contributing to the building of more resilient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cities and societies. As part of a coliving community you can leave a legacy where you’ve positively contributed to protecting our precious environment.