Our Dedication to Sustainability

At The Cohousing Company, we have an unwavering commitment to sustainability within a budget.

We have a steadfast commitment to implementing solutions that make housing affordable and eco-friendly that not only meets the needs of today but ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. By incorporating environmentally conscious design and sustainable building practices, our designs create homes that are not only affordable to live in but also have a minimal impact on the planet. Our investment in strategies that prioritize energy efficiency and renewable resources leads to low-carbon footprints. These principles ensure that residents enjoy their eco-friendly spaces while promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and making housing more accessible to those who need it most.

Charles Durrett, with his extensive experience in designing communities that prioritize sustainability, affordability, and connection, brings a unique perspective to The Cohousing Company's approach. His innovative designs encourage people to live lightly on the planet, incorporating practices that reduce waste and resource consumption. Beyond just the initial build, we provide the tools and developing strategies for ongoing maintenance and community management that ensure the long-term success of these projects. This thoughtful and strategic approach helps maintain financial accessibility while ensuring that the communities remain thriving, resilient, and self-sustaining for years to come. With The Cohousing Company, the future of residential development becomes one where both people and the planet can thrive in harmony.

To learn more about our commitment to sustainability through education, see Affordable and Energy Efficient Cohousing.

Featured Projects:

examples of typical features included in these projects:

  • Urban infill sites located near mass transit

  • Sustainably harvested framing lumber

  • Sustainable flooring materials: bamboo plank, linoleum and wool carpet

  • Pre-engineered wood ceiling and roof trusses, and siding panels

  • Advanced framing techniques minimize use of lumber

  • Passive solar orientation and shading

  • Slab on grade foundations and gypcrete flooring systems provide thermal mass

  • Radiant flooring heating systems

  • Low water and energy use appliances and fixtures

  • Compact fluorescent fixtures

  • Fly ash in concrete

  • High R-value insulation at slab perimeter, in walls and attics

  • Wet blown recycled cellulose insulation

  • 5/8” gypsum board

  • Low-E2 windows

  • Pervious pathways and paving

  • Tectum recycled acoustic panels

  • Photoelectric smoke detectors

  • Low VOC adhesives, sealants and paints

  • Active solar heating

  • Responsible water use

  • Passive cooling

  • Waste stream management

  • Permaculture landscape principles

  • But most importantly a well functioning community – with a functioning community you can achieve any goal

 

2020 – Merit Award for Best Affordable Senior Housing Community

2011 – Governor’s Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for Sustainable Communities

2009 – Green Architect Award

2008 – Energy Value Housing Silver Award, awarded by the National Association of Home Builders

See more

Grey Water Use at Quayside Cohousing

Brian shows us the grey water system in his housing complex. Shower, sink and bathtub water is collected, cleaned and reused to flush toilets in 19 units. We see a variety tanks, each one a part of the unique water filtration process. By Michael Levenston (City Farmer TV).

 
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