The Role of Co-housing in Building Sustainable Communities: Case studies from the UK

Abstract

This paper explored the role of cohousing model in the UK and discussed the benefits and limitations of cohousing model by exploring cohousing residents’ motivation and daily living. Through case studies in the UK, semi-structured interviews were carried out to establish the environmental and social sustainability in cohousing and understand residents thinking and behaviour. This study found that cohousing can benefit various age groups, and promote residents’ thinking and behaviour change towards sustainable living. The study also found that the financial limitation and new members recruitment are the top two difficulties in cohousing development. The findings of this research will establish a better understanding of UK cohousing and highlight the potentials and possibilities of cohousing communities.