In the wake of international climate agreements and soaring housing costs, a quiet revolution is taking place across Europe’s urban landscapes. Groups of residents are banding together to create and manage their own housing projects, known as co-housing initiatives. These projects are not just about affordable living spaces; they’re also pioneering innovative approaches to energy efficiency and sustainability. A recent study published in ‘A+BE: Architecture and the Built Environment’ (Architecture and the Built Environment) by Lidewij Chantal Tummers of Delft University of Technology sheds light on the potential of these initiatives to reshape urban development and the energy sector.
Co-housing projects are emerging as a powerful force in the fight against climate change, offering models for reducing energy consumption and integrating renewable energies into the housing stock. “Co-housing projects present relevant models and approaches for reducing the energy consumption and for integrating renewable energies in the general housing stock,” Tummers explains. Engineers and urban planners can learn from these pioneers to advance energy transition targets and develop more sustainable cities.
The study highlights two key areas where co-housing can make a significant impact: the design and maintenance of public spaces for climate change mitigation, and the transition to a circular economy in housing. By analyzing the physical characteristics of co-housing projects, Tummers provides a fresh perspective on how these initiatives can influence urban policies and energy strategies.
The research identifies three interrelated aspects that shape co-housing projects: the actors involved, the broader context, and the technosphere—encompassing building technology and utilities. “The choices made during design and building are not only shaped by the residents’ aims and perception of sustainability, but also influenced by technosphere-related institutions,” Tummers notes. This includes the building-components industry, energy or waste networks, and planning regulations.
Tummers’ study is based on qualitative methods, as reliable quantitative data are currently unavailable. However, the research underscores the need for such data to develop effective low-impact energy solutions in co-housing. The empirical material primarily comes from Dutch case studies, with additional examples from Belgium, France, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland, where co-housing is gaining traction.
The findings suggest that co-housing initiatives are not just about creating affordable and sustainable living spaces; they are also fostering new competencies, such as communication skills and cross-disciplinary collaboration. These skills are increasingly in demand in the building industry and engineering professions. Tummers emphasizes the need for future professionals to address fundamental questions related to resident involvement and democracy, balancing ‘bottom-up’ needs with large-scale investments in urban energy, mobility, and mutual care networks.
As co-housing continues to evolve, it has the potential to reshape urban development and the energy sector. By learning from these initiatives, engineers and urban planners can develop more sustainable and resilient cities. The study by Tummers provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of co-housing and its implications for the future of urban living and energy transition.