Article author: Federica Girola, founder of Lotus Studio, a marketing, branding and design agency for coliving owners and wellness retreat curators (more at the end of the article).
Coliving has emerged as a transformative housing model that not only addresses the need for affordable living in urban areas, especially for digital nomads and remote workers, but also presents a compelling case for environmental sustainability. As cities become denser and the demand for affordable housing skyrockets, the coliving model tackles the urban affordability crisis and champions environmental sustainability, carving a path towards a greener, more connected future.
In one of my first visits to a coliving community, in Milan, I soon realized the underlying eco-conscious ethos that underpinned this lifestyle. Colivers shared appliances, bikes (long-term guests even clothes sometimes haha!), which not only reduced their individual costs but also minimized their environmental impact.
In fact, at the heart of coliving lies the ingenious optimization of shared spaces and resources. But how exactly do these communities pave the way for a more eco-conscious lifestyle?
Let’s find it out together.
Reducing resource consumption
At the heart of colivings’ sustainability advantages lies the concept of resource sharing and mindful resource use (and re-use).
When individuals live in shared spaces, the overall energy and resource consumption per person decreases significantly. Think about laundry: in a traditional living arrangement, each resident would likely have their own washing machine. In a coliving community these appliances are shared among the residents, reducing the total number of energy-consuming devices required.
Modern urban coliving spaces prioritize ecological mindfulness right from the initial planning stages. With an emphasis on shared spaces and efficient land use, these developments optimize urban density and contribute to reduced environmental impact. Often located in central areas, coliving operators promote greener transportation options and invest in energy-efficient appliances and smart technologies to minimize their carbon footprint.
Coliving accommodations also typically feature a balanced integration of green spaces, further enhancing their eco-friendly appeal. By accommodating more residents in a smaller area, coliving communities help decrease per-capita energy consumption, transportation emissions, and land use, making them a powerful tool in combating urban sprawl and its associated environmental challenges.
On the other hand, coliving communities nestled within natural environments often prioritize harnessing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal power. This commitment to clean energy minimizes reliance on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Many coliving projects also promote practices of sustainability and land regeneration, ensuring that their impact on the local ecosystem is not only minimized but also beneficial. Through this holistic approach, they become harmonious extensions of the natural surroundings, fostering an environment where both residents and nature can thrive.
Fostering sustainable lifestyles
Coliving not only provides a physical space for shared living but also fosters a community-driven approach to sustainability, where participants are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices and take collective action towards a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle. Considering that many coliving spaces attract digital nomads, they present an opportunity to create a strong impact on sustainability within the nomad community. By integrating sustainable practices and principles into the daily lives of digital nomads through nomad coliving and coworking coliving initiatives, a thriving digital nomad community can contribute significantly to reducing their collective environmental footprint. This not only benefits the planet but also enriches the overall coliving experience, creating a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
The sharing economy inherent to coliving also extends to household items, furniture, and amenities. Instead of each resident owning their own washing machine, blender, or other appliances, these are shared among the community. This not only reduces the total number of products required but also extends the lifespan of these items – provided they are treated with care – leading to a substantial decrease in indirect environmental impacts associated with manufacturing and disposal.
By living in close-knit communities, colivers are more likely to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, composting, and reducing waste. This is particularly evident when the coliving space is built in a natural context, where the proximity to nature can inspire a deeper connection with the environment. For instance, residents might engage in activities like community gardening, where they can grow their own produce, or participate in local initiatives to preserve and protect the natural surroundings.
Moreover, coliving communities often organize events and workshops to educate residents about sustainable living practices, further reinforcing the culture of eco-consciousness within the community. This kind of collective action strengthens the community bond.
From my own experience in a coliving community while I was living in Tenerife, I’ve discovered how effortless it is to find a fellow resident to carpool with for a trip to the local market for fresh fruits and veggies, or… to the closest ice cream shop!
More opportunities for innovation and collaboration
Coliving developers are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the sustainability and livability of these shared living spaces. For example, some are experimenting with on-site workshops and educational programs to teach residents about sustainable living practices. These sessions cover topics like renewable energy, urban gardening, waste management, and eco-friendly transportation options. By empowering residents with knowledge and practical skills, coliving can inspire them to adopt more sustainable lifestyles that extend beyond the confines of the shared living space.
Additionally, coliving communities are increasingly integrating shared experiences and group activities that promote environmental stewardship. This could include organized beach cleanups, tree-planting initiatives, or collaborative projects to upcycle and repurpose materials. These collective efforts help reduce the community’s environmental impact and foster a stronger sense of ownership and commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, it is becoming more and more common for coliving operators to collaborate with local authorities and environmental organizations to align their initiatives with broader sustainability goals. This collaboration can lead to the development of policy frameworks, incentives, and support mechanisms that encourage the growth of eco-conscious coliving communities in cities around the world.
Hi! My name is Federica. I am the founder of Lotus Studio, a marketing, branding, and design agency dedicated to helping coliving owners and retreat curators elevate their online presence worldwide.
Over the past 3 years, I’ve worked with brands across several industries, helping them with their marketing strategy, branding, and visual identity. I’ve always loved traveling solo and during my trips around the world I had the chance to participate in several retreats – mostly in nature, related to wellbeing – and to join different coliving and coworking spaces.
Since then, my mission has become clear: to empower coliving owners and retreat organizers establish a distinctive online presence, so that they are able to build their own community online, and bring it together physically.
This is what we do at Lotus Studio. Find more about us and how we can help you thrive at our website, www.lotusstudioagency.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
