Coliving reduces energy use by 30%, water consumption by 20%, and waste production by 23% compared to conventional housing. It cuts CO₂ emissions per person by up to 50% and saves 21–36% in embodied carbon. By sharing spaces, appliances, and utilities, coliving maximizes efficiency, lowers costs, and builds community while addressing urban isolation and environmental challenges. Key benefits include:
- Lower emissions: 68% fewer greenhouse gases than average households.
- Energy savings: Shared systems and smart tech reduce energy use.
- Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures and greywater systems save up to 30%.
- Waste reduction: Shared resources and recycling programs minimize waste.
- Transportation efficiency: Central locations cut travel emissions by 45–50%.
- Affordability: Costs are 20–50% lower than private rentals.
Coliving is reshaping urban living by combining eco-friendly practices with affordability and community, making it a practical choice for modern lifestyles.
How Coliving Helps the Environment
Coliving spaces bring environmental benefits by focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. These shared living arrangements use smart technologies and community-based practices to reduce their ecological impact without sacrificing comfort. Let’s take a closer look at how these elements work together to make coliving a greener choice.
Energy Efficiency in Coliving Spaces
The shared nature of coliving spaces opens up big opportunities for saving energy. Smart home systems are a game-changer here, as they can cut energy use by up to 20% by automatically adjusting heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances based on when and where people are present. This eliminates the waste that often happens in traditional housing, like leaving the lights on or running the air conditioning in empty rooms.
Take Enter Coliving, for example. Their properties use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and automated systems that regulate energy use based on occupancy. These measures ensure energy is used only when needed, significantly cutting down on waste.
Another advantage of coliving is shared utilities. Instead of each person running their own appliances, shared spaces – like kitchens, laundry rooms, and common areas – serve multiple residents at once. This lowers the per-person energy demand compared to single-occupancy apartments.
The broader real estate sector is a major energy consumer, responsible for 40% of the world’s energy and raw material use. Coliving addresses this issue by increasing housing density and optimizing land use, creating a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional housing.
Waste Reduction Programs
Coliving spaces also shine when it comes to managing waste. Through organized recycling, composting, and reducing single-use materials, these communities handle waste more efficiently than individual households.
A standout example is OPEN ORBI in Spain, which uses clean technologies and educates residents about sustainable living through workshops. Education plays a key role here – when people understand the impact of their choices, they’re more likely to make eco-friendly decisions.
Another example is Sende, also in Spain. They go beyond recycling by promoting self-sufficiency and using local, sustainable building materials. They even incorporate permaculture practices in their gardens. This approach shows how coliving can influence broader consumption habits.
The sharing economy model of coliving naturally reduces overconsumption. Instead of everyone buying their own appliances, food, or furniture, residents share these items. This significantly cuts down on the total volume of goods needed and the waste generated.
To make waste management even more effective, coliving spaces often conduct waste audits. These audits help identify specific waste streams and tailor recycling programs to address them. This is particularly important in the construction sector, which is responsible for around 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and produces nearly 40% of the world’s waste.
Water Conservation and Green Technologies
Water conservation is another area where coliving spaces make a big impact. By combining smart technologies with resident education, they tackle water waste and consumption effectively. For context, the average person in Spain uses about 132 liters of water per day, which is above the European average. On top of that, 25% of drinking water is often lost due to leaks in distribution systems.
Coliving spaces address these issues with practical solutions. Enter Coliving properties, for instance, feature water-saving fixtures like low-flow showers, dual-flush toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems. These technologies cut water use without compromising comfort.
Grey water systems are another innovative solution. These systems treat water from sinks, showers, and washing machines so it can be reused for tasks like flushing toilets or watering plants. This can lead to water savings of up to 30% in coliving spaces.
In Spain’s Soria region, OPEN ORBI combines rainwater reuse systems with solar panels to conserve resources. They also host workshops to teach residents about sustainability. Similarly, Anceu Coliving in Galicia integrates water conservation into their broader efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. They reuse buildings, rely on renewable energy, and encourage shared transportation.
"Water conservation is essential for protecting the environment, as it helps to reduce the amount of water withdrawn from rivers, lakes, and other water sources." – Olympian Water Testing, LLC
Education plays a crucial role here. Regular workshops and monitoring systems not only teach residents about responsible water use but also help identify leaks and inefficiencies. This combination of technology and awareness fosters lasting habits that extend beyond the coliving experience.
Social and Community Impact of Coliving
Coliving spaces do more than just offer eco-friendly living options – they create strong social bonds and contribute to local economic growth. These shared living arrangements tackle pressing urban issues like loneliness, high housing costs, and a lack of community connection, while also revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting local businesses.
Building Stronger Communities
Coliving spaces are designed to bring people together. With shared common areas and organized events, they combat urban isolation in a way traditional housing often can’t. In fact, 58% of coliving residents say they’ve built close friendships, and 71% report feeling less lonely compared to living alone. Tools like community managers and smart matching platforms help residents connect, fostering relationships and cultural exchange. For remote workers and digital nomads, these spaces often include coworking areas and networking opportunities, making it easier to stay connected. These social interactions not only improve residents’ quality of life but also ripple out to benefit the local economy.
Economic Contributions to Local Areas
The economic impact of coliving extends beyond its walls. Take Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for example: Codefi, a coworking space with 340 members, has helped launch 50 startups and created over 200 jobs locally. Similarly, Traverse City’s 20Fathoms innovation hub, with just 65 members, has supported 41 startups that have generated more than $34 million in local private investment.
Local businesses also reap the rewards. Members of Common Desk, for instance, spend an average of $23.43 daily in Deep Ellum, contributing around $1.5 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, profits from coliving spaces are often reinvested locally, funding expansions and infrastructure improvements. According to The National Library of Medicine, coworking spaces can serve as hubs for entrepreneurship and talent development, boosting small businesses and job creation. With 95% of coworking desks occupied by small businesses – many with just 1–10 employees – these spaces are vital for creating jobs and retaining talent in local communities. Together, these benefits highlight coliving’s role in making cities more affordable and accessible.
Affordable and Accessible Living
One of the biggest draws of coliving is its affordability, especially in pricey urban areas. By sharing costs like rent, utilities, and household expenses, coliving can be 20%–50% cheaper than renting a private apartment.
Flexibility is another major perk. With lease terms typically ranging from three to 12 months, coliving is ideal for those with uncertain living situations, such as digital nomads, students, and young professionals. Hospitality investor Ben Walker sums it up well:
"The appeal of co-living to tenants centres around flexible housing (leases typically run from three to 12 months) and social interaction".
Location is another advantage. Coliving spaces are often situated in central urban areas, making it easy to access public transportation, job hubs, and amenities.
| Aspect | Coliving | Traditional Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 20–50% less due to shared expenses | Higher individual costs |
| Community | Built-in ecosystem fostering connection | Often isolating |
| Flexibility | 3–12 month lease options | Typically 12+ month commitments |
| Location | Often in central, convenient areas | May require trade-offs |
This setup is especially beneficial for groups like young professionals, international students, and remote workers, offering quality housing in sought-after locations without the steep costs of traditional rentals. By easing financial and environmental pressures, coliving supports a more sustainable and connected way of urban living.
Coliving vs. Regular Housing: A Comparison
Continuing from the earlier discussion on environmental benefits, let’s dive into how coliving stacks up against traditional housing when it comes to sustainability.
When you compare the two, coliving consistently outperforms traditional housing across almost every environmental measure. These differences challenge the way we think about the environmental impact of urban living.
Sustainability Metrics Comparison
Studies show that coliving communities generate 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the average household. This impressive reduction comes from the inherent efficiency of shared living spaces.
One of the most dramatic differences lies in energy consumption. Coliving spaces reduce energy use per person by combining shared areas with modernized building systems. Many coliving properties are older buildings that have been renovated with energy-efficient upgrades like better insulation, windows, heating systems, and appliances. This approach ensures that they consume significantly less energy than traditional housing. The logic is simple: consolidating resources under one roof is far more efficient than maintaining separate households. These energy savings are a cornerstone of coliving’s environmental benefits.
Water use is another area where coliving shines. Features like low-flow fixtures and systems for recycling greywater help cut water consumption significantly.
Waste management also improves in coliving setups. These communities often implement robust recycling programs and educate residents on proper waste sorting, leading to better outcomes than the more inconsistent efforts seen in traditional housing.
Transportation is another standout metric. The dense, urban nature of coliving reduces emissions from travel by 45–50%. Many coliving communities also provide shared electric vehicles and bicycles, further cutting down on pollution and fossil fuel use.
| Sustainability Metric | Coliving Spaces | Traditional Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse Gas Emissions | 68% lower than average household | Standard baseline emissions |
| Energy Efficiency | Shared heating/cooling, upgraded systems | Individual systems, often outdated |
| Water Conservation | Low-flow fixtures, 30% savings possible | Standard consumption patterns |
| Waste Management | Comprehensive recycling, shared efforts | Varies widely; largely individual |
| Transportation Emissions | 45–50% reduction through density | Higher individual vehicle use |
| Resource Sharing | Shared appliances, furniture, amenities | Individual ownership of all items |
The shared nature of coliving creates a ripple effect of environmental benefits. As David Uriarte, CEO of Aticco Living, puts it:
"Coliving is a model that provides a better harnessing of the existing resources, since it’s based on sharing the use of the spaces".
This sharing goes beyond just physical spaces; it extends to things like kitchen appliances, furniture, and transportation options.
Another key factor is land use. Coliving optimizes resources by providing shared areas – like kitchens, workspaces, and living rooms – while traditional housing requires more extensive individual spaces. This efficiency is especially important when domestic emissions account for around 15% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the UK and 20% in the US. By slashing these emissions through shared living, coliving offers a practical way to make urban development more sustainable.
These numbers make it clear: coliving isn’t just a trendy housing option. It’s a more sustainable way of living that tackles multiple environmental challenges by embracing shared resources and spaces.
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New Developments in Eco-Friendly Coliving
Coliving is stepping up its game in sustainable urban living, blending cutting-edge tech and thoughtful design to create greener, more efficient spaces. These advancements are shaping the future of eco-friendly urban communities.
Smart Home Technologies and Renewable Energy
Smart home technologies are transforming coliving spaces by making them more energy-efficient. AI-powered systems are now capable of learning residents’ habits to optimize energy use. Devices like smart thermostats, plugs, and lighting systems automatically adjust to reduce waste. For instance, a project in Southern California introduced AI-driven lighting that mimics natural light patterns throughout the day, improving both ambiance and residents’ well-being. With the global smart home market expected to surpass $200 billion by 2025, it’s clear that renters are embracing these changes – over 60% of them are willing to pay more for eco-conscious living.
Coliving developments are also turning to renewable energy solutions like solar panels, micro-wind turbines, and advanced water management systems to minimize reliance on traditional grids. Automated recycling systems further enhance resource efficiency. Beyond tech, these spaces are increasingly incorporating nature-based solutions for added sustainability.
Community Gardens and Nature-Based Design
Community gardens are breathing new life into coliving spaces, offering environmental benefits and fostering community bonds. These gardens help clean the air, reduce soil contamination, and make use of wastewater for irrigation. They can even convert previously unusable land, such as brownfields, into thriving hubs for relaxation, education, and recreation. New York State alone has around 3,000 officially recognized community gardens, with nearly 2,000 in New York City. Programs like the Bronx Green-Up, led by the New York Botanical Garden, support residents in creating and maintaining these spaces, guiding them from initial planning to harvest.
Research highlights the ecological impact of these gardens. A study in Berlin found that community gardens not only support urban food production but also foster plant biodiversity, stabilizing local ecosystems. These spaces also serve as habitats for wildlife, with surveys identifying over 100 species of wild bees from 26 genera, representing about 40% of the city’s bee population.
In another example, a 2017 study by the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice explored community gardens in social housing. Residents reported gaining valuable knowledge about sustainable practices, showcasing how these gardens can educate and empower communities.
Connection to Global Sustainability Goals
Coliving’s eco-friendly innovations align directly with global efforts to combat climate change. Buildings are responsible for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of energy use worldwide. By embracing resource-sharing and sustainable practices, coliving could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2050.
Recent projects highlight this potential. In March 2024, Habyt unveiled a new coliving development in Leipzig, Germany, featuring 185 furnished units equipped with a rooftop terrace, courtyard, outdoor lounge, and community areas. This development integrates renewable energy, green spaces, and smart technologies, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban living. As urban planners increasingly prioritize eco-conscious principles, coliving spaces are becoming testing grounds for scalable, sustainable solutions.
These advancements position coliving as a leader in sustainable urban development, offering practical answers to environmental challenges while meeting the growing demand for community-focused living spaces.
What This Means for Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
Eco-friendly coliving spaces are a perfect match for the values and needs of the 35 million-plus digital nomads worldwide. These spaces offer a chance to live sustainably while maintaining the freedom and community connections that remote workers crave.
Flexibility and Community for Remote Workers
For remote workers, eco-friendly coliving spaces provide a hassle-free lifestyle with a focus on community. Forget the headaches of apartment hunting – these spaces come fully equipped with furniture, high-speed internet, cleaning services, and coworking areas. Whether you need a place for a month or nearly a year, the flexibility is hard to beat.
"Coliving for digital nomads offers a revolutionary living arrangement tailored to the lifestyle of remote workers and freelancers who thrive on flexibility and global mobility."
- Coliving.com
What truly sets coliving apart is the sense of community. These spaces are intentionally designed to encourage collaboration and connection, making them a great fit for entrepreneurs who thrive on networking and exchanging ideas. Many coliving spaces host events, workshops, and even shared meals, creating natural opportunities to build professional relationships.
"Co-livings are a great way to take a soft leap into your new chapter. It takes out the awkwardness of moving to a new city and having to find ways of making new friends."
- Joe Hallett, Balu Living
Pricing typically ranges from $819 to $1,349 per month, offering options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. This efficient setup not only simplifies life for residents but also comes with considerable environmental perks.
Reducing Your Environmental Impact
For digital nomads, the environmental benefits of coliving are compelling. These spaces generate just one-third of the emissions of a typical household, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers. By sharing appliances, furniture, and utilities, residents minimize waste while enjoying the perks of strategic urban locations that encourage walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of cars .
Take Ruralco in Culla, Spain, for example. This coliving space integrates solar power, a community garden with composting systems, and reusable products. They even focus on bulk purchasing to cut down on plastic waste. Such practices become second nature for residents, fostering long-term sustainable habits.
How Global Wealth Protection Can Help
As digital nomads adopt these sustainable lifestyles, having a solid financial and legal structure becomes increasingly important. For entrepreneurs embracing coliving, setting up international business structures and optimizing taxes is essential. Navigating these complexities ensures that your assets are protected and tax obligations minimized as you move between countries.
Global Wealth Protection specializes in helping location-independent professionals with these challenges. Their services include forming private US LLCs with asset protection in mind, creating offshore companies, and crafting international strategies through the GWP Insiders membership program. Their Global Escape Hatch action plans are especially helpful for nomads planning relocations, offering step-by-step guidance for establishing legal residence and business operations in tax-friendly jurisdictions – all while maintaining the freedom to live in coliving spaces around the world.
For those seeking tailored advice, private consultations provide personalized solutions. Whether you’re setting up your first international business or fine-tuning an existing one, expert guidance ensures you’re making choices that align with your nomadic lifestyle and long-term financial goals. While eco-friendly coliving reduces your environmental footprint, the right legal and tax strategies empower you to build a sustainable, thriving business.
As projections show that 75% of people will live in cities by 2030, the combination of sustainable urban living and location independence becomes even more relevant. By pairing eco-friendly coliving with smart international business planning, forward-thinking entrepreneurs can make a meaningful impact while building their wealth.
Conclusion: The Future of Coliving and Sustainability
Studies reveal that coliving reduces energy consumption by 30%, water usage by 20%, and waste production by 23% compared to traditional housing models. These reductions highlight its potential to address pressing environmental and social challenges.
"Coliving blends ecological care, affordability, and social connection, making it a key player in the future of urban housing." – Coliving.com
The numbers speak volumes. Coliving designs can slash CO₂ emissions per person by 50%, while embodied carbon savings range between 21% and 36% per capita. With the industry expected to grow from $7.5 billion in 2022 to $13.9 billion by 2030, the environmental benefits become even more compelling.
However, coliving’s impact isn’t just about environmental gains. It addresses urban isolation by fostering social connections and promotes economic sustainability by offering cost-effective living solutions. This makes sustainable living more accessible, moving it beyond a privilege for the wealthy.
Global examples showcase its success: 97% occupancy rates, 30% lower energy consumption, and increased profitability demonstrate that environmental responsibility and financial returns can go hand in hand.
Looking forward, advancements in technology promise even greater efficiencies. AI-powered thermostats in coliving spaces are already reducing energy waste by 15%, while on-site composting systems are cutting organic waste by 40%. These innovations build on the eco-friendly and community-oriented principles that define coliving.
The timing couldn’t be better. With 75% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2030 and 79% of institutional investors planning to expand their investments in coliving, the intersection of urbanization, financial backing, and sustainability needs is creating a perfect storm for growth. Coliving is not just changing how we live; it’s proving that sustainable communities can be both financially viable and socially fulfilling.
For the increasing number of remote professionals and entrepreneurs adopting this lifestyle, coliving aligns personal values with sustainable practices. By combining environmental responsibility, community engagement, and affordability, coliving cements its role in shaping the future of urban housing. This model shows that sustainability and quality of life can coexist, offering exciting opportunities for digital nomads to integrate their mobile lives with eco-conscious choices.
FAQs
How does coliving help lower carbon emissions compared to traditional housing?
Coliving offers a practical way to cut down on carbon emissions by emphasizing shared resources and energy-conscious designs. Studies reveal that people living in coliving spaces consume about 30% less energy and produce 23% less waste compared to those in traditional housing. This efficiency comes from shared appliances, organized waste management, and communal transportation options.
What’s more, the carbon footprint per person in coliving setups is dramatically lower – up to two-thirds less – due to the combination of resource sharing and environmentally conscious building designs. By encouraging a shared lifestyle and focusing on sustainable infrastructure, coliving plays a meaningful role in minimizing environmental damage.
What smart technologies are used in coliving spaces to promote sustainability?
Coliving spaces are increasingly integrating smart technologies to promote efficiency and reduce resource use. For instance, energy monitoring systems keep tabs on consumption patterns to optimize usage. IoT-enabled devices take care of routine tasks automatically, adding convenience to daily life. Meanwhile, smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on room occupancy or the amount of natural light, ensuring energy isn’t wasted. Automated climate control systems also play a role by maintaining comfortable temperatures while minimizing unnecessary energy use. Together, these technologies not only reduce the environmental footprint but also make life easier and more budget-friendly for residents.
How does coliving help build social connections and a sense of community?
Coliving brings people together by offering shared spaces like communal kitchens, co-working areas, and outdoor lounges – places where casual interactions can happen naturally. Beyond just providing physical spaces, coliving often includes group activities, workshops, and events that make it easier for residents to connect and build relationships.
This setup fosters collaboration and mutual support, helping to ease feelings of isolation while encouraging meaningful connections. By creating a sense of belonging, coliving not only boosts individual well-being but also helps build a tight-knit, connected community.
