Learning from co-housing initiatives — Between Passivhaus engineers and active inhabitants

This document titled "Learning from co-housing initiatives — Between Passivhaus engineers and active inhabitants" is authored by Lidewij Tummers from Delft University of Technology. The research highlights the importance of self-managed co-housing initiatives as a sustainable housing model in Europe, particularly in addressing contemporary challenges related to housing accessibility and environmental sustainability.

Europe faces a triple crisis characterized by economic instability, environmental degradation, and a care crisis due to demographic changes. The growing inaccessibility of the housing market for low- and middle-income households has prompted the rise of co-housing initiatives as a viable solution. These initiatives enable groups of residents to collaborate on housing projects, sharing responsibilities and resources while promoting sustainable living practices.

The document illustrates how various institutional responses to these crises have emerged. European cities are increasingly recognizing the need to implement the UN's New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. Co-housing is viewed as a key strategy to foster social cohesion and address energy transition challenges.

Co-housing initiatives present a model that integrates community living with sustainable practices. Residents actively participate in the design and management of their living spaces, thereby enhancing social interaction and responsibility. These projects have been shown to reduce energy consumption and enhance resource sharing, making them relevant models for urban development.

Despite the promise of co-housing, the research identifies significant challenges, particularly in the areas of design and engineering. Co-housing projects often struggle with institutional barriers, including zoning regulations, financing issues, and planning constraints. The active involvement of residents in the design process is crucial for achieving sustainable outcomes, yet institutional support is often lacking.

The research emphasizes that co-housing can serve as a niche innovation within the urban housing landscape. It highlights the need for engineers and planners to adapt their practices to better support self-managed housing initiatives. Successful co-housing projects demonstrate that residents can effectively bridge the gap between institutional frameworks and community needs, contributing to urban sustainability goals.

Co-housing initiatives are increasingly recognized as viable alternatives to traditional housing models, offering insights into how urban development can evolve. By fostering collaboration between residents, engineers, and policymakers, co-housing can help address pressing issues related to housing affordability and environmental sustainability. The integration of co-housing into broader urban policies is essential for creating resilient and inclusive communities across Europe.