Resources for Cohousing and Sustainable Living From the Gratitude Village Cohousing Presentation

At Gratitude Village, we are committed to creating a community that not only fosters connection and collaboration but also embraces sustainable living practices. As part of our dedication to education and shared knowledge, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources to help you learn more about cohousing, the principles behind it, and the innovative building standards we uphold, such as Passive House design.

This collection of links will give you access to articles, communities, and cutting-edge architectural practices that are shaping the future of sustainable, community-oriented living. Whether you’re curious about joining a cohousing community, learning about the benefits of communal living, or exploring energy-efficient building options, these resources will serve as a comprehensive guide.

Cohousing Communities

Cohousing communities around the world are thriving examples of how people can live collaboratively, sharing resources, and building meaningful connections. These communities emphasize a strong social fabric, intentional design, and sustainability. Here are some cohousing communities that offer insights into their unique setups:

• Cohousing USA’s website - This is a great place to start as it lists cohousing communities and professionals and offers some great educational opportunities.

• New community in Wheat Ridge, CO – A vibrant urban community focused on social connection and environmental sustainability.

• New community in Fort Collin, CO – Founders are experienced with cohousing, this community has a broad vision with many desirable features and a spiritual bent.

• Net Zero Cohousing community in Bozeman, MT – A newer, net zero cohousing community.

• An Ecovillage near Ithaca, NY – An older, established community focused on sustainable agriculture, permaculture and restorative land practices in addition to cohousing.

• Passive House, Net Zero Community near Pittsburgh, PA – A new community being constructed with some similar goals to Gratitude Village.

Articles on Cohousing

For those new to the concept or looking for deeper insights into cohousing, we’ve curated a selection of articles that explore the philosophy, benefits, and challenges of cohousing communities. These articles offer valuable perspectives on how cohousing fosters a greater sense of belonging, environmental responsibility, and enhanced quality of life.

• The Benefits of Cohousing – This article outlines how cohousing offers a solution to isolation, while promoting shared responsibilities and resources.

• Building Community with Cohousing – A look at how developers and buyers create new models for housing that hold the promise of a more environmentally friendly, connected, and multigenerational way of living.

• Cohousing for Families – A deep dive into how cohousing creates a supportive environment for families, providing built-in networks for child-rearing and intergenerational interactions.

• A second article on Cohousing and Raising Children – An opinion piece from the NY Times asking if cohousing provides a path to happiness for modern parents.

• Sustainability in Cohousing – This piece explores how many cohousing communities focus on sustainable living practices, from shared gardens to energy-efficient homes.

Passive House Information

At Gratitude Village, we are committed to sustainability, which is why we are inspired by Passive House principles. Passive House is a rigorous standard for energy efficiency, resulting in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for heating or cooling. It’s a perfect match for cohousing, where we prioritize environmental responsibility and shared resources. Below are some key resources to learn more about Passive House design and its benefits:

• Passive House Institute US – Phius is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to decarbonizing the built environment by making high-performance passive building the mainstream market standard.

• The Passivhaus Institute - The leading international institution that offers resources and certifications for energy-efficient building practices.

• Passive House Explained – An accessible overview of what Passive House design entails and why it’s becoming a popular choice for eco-friendly construction.

• Passive House Community Near Loveland, CO – In what may be the only fully passive home neighborhood in the region, the two partners in Black Timber Builders LLC are marrying modern design with techniques to make an entire neighborhood energy-efficient.

Gratitude Village is built on a foundation of community, sustainability, and a commitment to better living. These resources will help you explore the many facets of cohousing and sustainable design, guiding you on your journey toward creating or joining a community that prioritizes both people and the planet.

We hope these links provide you with a wealth of knowledge to support your interest in cohousing and energy-efficient living. Let’s work together to build stronger, more sustainable communities—starting with Gratitude Village!