• Principles of co-housing
• Environmental Sustainability Part 1
• Environmental Sustainability Part 2
• Social Sustainability Part 1
• Social Sustainability Part 2
• Financial Sustainability

Principles of co-housing

Financial Sustainability

* Resident managed development builds homes "at cost". Profit that would normally go to a developer stays in the project in the form of better quality finishing, common areas for shared use, environmentally sensitive design and any other features that the resident group may choose to include.

* Educated purchasers make more sustainable choices. The future residents determine the product so there is a natural opportunity to become educated about the cost benefits of choosing certain options. Knowledgeable purchasers are more likely to choose a higher capital cost now with future savings, thus choosing better quality and more energy efficient alternatives.

* Access to shared spaces reduces individual home size needs. Workshop, guest room, craft room, meeting room, office, children's play area, etc. can be shared in common. Individual homes can be smaller when there is easily accessible space available for common use.

* Access to shared resources allows individuals to decrease material possessions without impacting on quality of life. Because of the social fabric of the community the sharing of computers, printers, fax machines, camping and sports equipment, freezers, tools, and even automobiles are a natural part of daily life.

* Work at home reduces transportation requirements. Social isolation and infrastructure cost for equipment, common barriers associated with working at home, are no longer applicable in cohousing. Home-based occupations are also supported with advanced telecommunication capabilities.

* Human resources are more readily accessible in a connected community. Cohousing provides an environment where the exchange of knowledge, skills, expertise and time is a common occurrence. Shared child-care and coordinated running of errands are two examples reducing the demands of daily life.

* Aging in place is supported. Buildings are designed for aging in place and the social support available in the community allows elders to live on their own longer than in traditional housing.

* Market demand supports value. Experience has shown that cohousing communities have excellent resale value. People are willing to pay for the added quality and community benefits.

* Accountability and transparency are an integral part of the process. Decisions are made by 100% consensus. All members have equal access to information and equal responsibility for the decisions that are made. This promotes responsible citizenship and can begin to reduce the tremendous liability issues that our culture faces.