Skip navigation

Environmental Sustainability

Housing cooperatives worldwide are leading the way in sustainable living, blending ecological responsibility with community-focused values. From energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy installations to innovative waste management and urban agriculture, cooperatives are implementing creative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint and promote social equity. These initiatives not only help to combat climate change but also foster a sense of community, shared responsibility, and economic resilience. Explore how housing cooperatives in various countries are redefining sustainable living, setting new standards for environmental stewardship, and creating vibrant, healthy communities. Dive in to discover inspiring examples of how cooperative housing is making a positive impact on our planet!

Sustainability in Housing Cooperatives: A Global Perspective

Around the world, housing cooperatives are at the forefront of sustainability, demonstrating how communities can live in harmony with their surroundings while enhancing quality of life. These cooperatives implement innovative practices such as renewable energy use, water conservation, eco-friendly construction materials, waste reduction, and sustainable mobility. From energy-efficient buildings in Sweden and urban agriculture in Canada to water-saving technologies in India and community-led recycling initiatives in Uruguay, housing cooperatives are pioneering creative solutions to promote responsible living. This webpage highlights some of the most inspiring sustainability initiatives in housing cooperatives globally, showcasing how these communities are redefining what it means to live sustainably.

Sweden

Sweden is known for its innovative approach to sustainability, and housing cooperatives there have been at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into everyday living. Here are some examples of sustainability initiatives in housing cooperatives across Sweden:

  1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use

Many Swedish housing cooperatives have adopted energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy sources. For example, HSB Living Lab in Gothenburg is a collaborative research and innovation project that functions as a living laboratory for sustainable housing. The building has solar panels, a geothermal heating system, and energy-efficient windows to reduce energy consumption. The project focuses on experimenting with new materials, construction methods, and technologies to help make homes more sustainable and energy-efficient. Watch our video to learn more about the Living Lab.

  1. Green Building Certification

A growing number of housing cooperatives in Sweden are obtaining green building certifications such as Miljöbyggnad, a Swedish system that rates buildings based on their energy use, indoor environment, and material selection. The cooperative Brf Viva in Gothenburg is certified as a “Miljöbyggnad Gold” building, the highest rating for environmental performance in Sweden. Developed by Riksbyggen, Brf Viva incorporates sustainable materials, smart energy management systems, the Reuse of bus batteries as energy storage for solar and a greenhouse with 12 cultivation beds. It’s not a surprise that Brf Viva has won numerous architectural and environmental awards such as the Betong magazine’s Environmental Award of the Year. Visit Riksbyggen’s website for more information.

Riksbyggen, a Swedish cooperative housing company and CHI member focuses on building long-lasting, climate-friendly structures by incorporating sustainable practices, such as installing solar panels on all new constructions, using eco-friendly concrete, and promoting services like carpooling. 

Riksbyggen is owned by building unions, local housing associations, and other national cooperative organizations, to create and support cooperative housing associations. Their commitment to sustainability extends to property management, with goals to achieve fossil-free vehicles and work machines by 2025 and reduce energy consumption by 30% by 2030. Beyond measurable goals, Riksbyggen values community well-being, offering shared spaces for social activities, green courtyards, and accessible recycling options to create homes that enhance daily life.

Read more about Riskbyggen’s sustainability efforts.

Equilibre Housing Coop – Switzerland

Equilibre Housing Coop in Geneva has adopted innovative eco-friendly solutions, including:

  • Straw Bale Insulation: Utilizing straw, a renewable and excellent insulating material, to enhance energy efficiency.
  • Solar Panels: Installing solar panels to harness renewable energy.
  • Water Recycling Systems: Implementing sewage water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems for toilet use.
  • Car Sharing: Moving away from private car ownership to widespread car-sharing.

Mietshäuser Syndikat – Germany

The Mietshäuser Syndikat is a network of housing projects across Germany focused on:

  • Collective Ownership: Removing properties from the speculative market to ensure long-term affordability.
  • Sustainable Living: Implementing energy-efficient renovations and promoting low-impact lifestyles among residents.
  • Community Empowerment: Encouraging resident participation in decision-making processes to foster communal responsibility and sustainability.

Saprem Co-operative Housing Society – India

Facing severe water shortages, the Saprem Co-operative Housing Society in Thane, Maharashtra, implemented the following innovative water-saving measures to become self-sufficient:

  • Borewell Installation: A 350-foot-deep borewell supplies water for toilets, ensuring 24-hour availability.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: A system collects rooftop rainwater to recharge the borewell.
  • AC Water Reuse: Condensate water from air conditioners is collected and used for vehicle washing and plant watering.
  • Water Savings: These efforts save over 19,000 litres of water monthly during summer.

Canada’s Greener Co-op Microgrant Program

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) offers Greener Co-op Microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support projects that enhance environmental sustainability within housing coops. These grants fund various initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting installations, water conservation measures, and community gardens.

Since 2016, over 250 housing coops across Canada have received $820,000 (CDN) in microgrant funding to implement new environmental initiatives. These projects reduce the cooperatives’ environmental impacts and strengthen community bonds.

Key Strategies for Housing Cooperatives

Cooperative housing is uniquely positioned to lead in adopting sustainable practices that foster environmentally friendly living and resilient communities. Here are key strategies that cooperatives can implement to enhance environmental sustainability:

1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

  • What to Do: Retrofit buildings with energy-efficient solutions such as better insulation, LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and high-performance windows.
  • How to Start:
    • Conduct energy audits to pinpoint inefficiencies.
    • Leverage government grants or incentives for upgrades.
    • Establish collective financing models, such as green funds or cooperative loans.
  • Impact: Lower energy consumption and reduced costs for members.

2. Embracing Renewable Energy

  • What to Do: Install solar panels or geothermal heating systems to power homes sustainably.
  • How to Start:
    • Facilitate bulk purchasing agreements for renewable energy systems.
    • Develop cooperatively-owned energy infrastructure to generate and sell excess energy.
    • Partner with local governments for subsidies or incentives.
  • Impact: Reduced reliance on non-renewable energy and long-term cost savings.

3. Sustainable Building Practices

  • What to Do: Use eco-friendly materials and designs for new developments.
  • How to Start:
    • Incorporate recycled, locally sourced, or low-impact materials.
    • Design with green roofs, passive solar heating, and natural ventilation.
    • Aim for green building certifications like LEED or BREEAM.
  • Impact: Environmentally-conscious construction, healthier living spaces, and long-lasting sustainability.

4. Water Conservation & Waste Management

  • What to Do: Implement water-saving measures and robust waste management systems.
  • How to Start:
    • Install low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems.
    • Create community composting and recycling programs.
    • Partner with local organizations for educational campaigns.
  • Impact: Reduced water use, minimized waste, and more sustainable day-to-day living.

5. Green Spaces and Urban Agriculture

  • What to Do: Transform underused spaces into community gardens, urban farms, or green corridors.
  • How to Start:
    • Promote cooperative-managed compost systems for garden waste.
    • Develop biodiversity-friendly green spaces that also serve as social hubs.
  • Impact: Improved food security, environmental quality, and community well-being.

6. Sustainable Transportation Solutions

  • What to Do: Encourage shared and low-carbon mobility options.
  • How to Start:
    • Launch car-sharing or bike-sharing programs.
    • Install EV charging stations and incentivize electric vehicle adoption.
    • Design walkable and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  • Impact: Lower emissions, reduced costs, and healthier communities.

7. Sustainability Education

  • What to Do: Foster a culture of sustainability through learning and action.
  • How to Start:
    • Host workshops on energy efficiency, sustainable living, and conservation.
    • Form committees to track and promote sustainability goals.
    • Partner with environmental organizations for resources and guidance.
  • Impact: Empowered members actively supporting green initiatives.

8. Climate Resilience Planning

  • What to Do: Prepare for climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events.
  • How to Start:
    • Incorporate resilient infrastructure like flood defences and fire-resistant landscaping.
    • Develop community emergency plans and training programs.
    • Collaborate with governments on adaptation measures.
  • Impact: Enhanced safety and preparedness for residents and properties.

Supporting the Transition to Sustainable Communities

Cooperative housing organizations are pivotal in advancing greener economies and resilient neighbourhoods. Here’s how cooperatives can drive broader change:

  1. Advocate for Green Policies: Support initiatives that prioritize renewable energy, sustainable housing, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
  2. Collaborate with Green Enterprises: Build partnerships with businesses that promote circular economy models.
  3. Create Sustainable Financing Options: Develop green funds to support retrofit projects.
  4. Launch Community-led Projects: Empower members to lead activities like tree planting, neighbourhood clean-ups, and community gardens.

By embracing these solutions, cooperative housing can lead the way in environmental stewardship while building stronger, more vibrant communities.

 

 

back to top