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The article "How Housing Cooperatives Can Work to Fight Climate Change," written by Emila Smith and published on BioFriendly Planet, explores the proactive measures being taken by housing cooperatives in the U.S. to combat climate change. With over 1.5 million residents living in these cooperatives, the piece highlights how local communities are adopting sustainable practices to make a positive environmental impact.
The Impact of Real Estate on Climate Change
The real estate sector is a significant contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 39% of global emissions, following the oil and gas industry. The construction of new buildings requires energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel, while older buildings tend to be less energy-efficient, increasing energy demands for heating and cooling. The article emphasizes the urgent need for housing cooperatives to adopt energy-efficient solutions to mitigate carbon footprints while lowering operational costs.
Green Solutions for Housing Cooperatives
To address these challenges, housing cooperatives can implement several eco-friendly solutions. These include the installation of low-carbon heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient home appliances, LED lighting, and improved building insulation. Transitioning to renewable energy, particularly through solar panel installations, is highlighted as a prevalent and effective measure. Currently, about 3.4% of electricity in the U.S. is generated from solar energy, reflecting a growing trend since 2021.
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
Additionally, urban agriculture is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable living practice. With an estimated 29,000 community gardens across the U.S., these initiatives foster food production while nurturing community connections. Community gardens contribute not only to food security but also to a sense of belonging among residents.
Examples of Impactful Housing Cooperatives
The article showcases three noteworthy examples of housing cooperatives making strides towards sustainability.
- Raise-op Housing Cooperative in Lewiston, Maine, features over 50 residents living in passive house-certified buildings. The cooperative has installed solar panels that generate about 50% of the building's annual energy needs.
- Hillcrest Community Cooperative in Clarks Grove, Minnesota, consisting of 88 homes, has successfully reduced energy bills by 40% after adopting solar energy solutions.
- Riverton Community Housing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, partnered with All Energy Solar to install 1,020 solar panels across several co-ops. This initiative is estimated to offset 470,000 kWh of energy from the standard electric grid. The community also implemented sustainable practices such as compost stations and a roof-top community garden that conserves water by using rainwater for irrigation.
Conclusion
The article concludes that housing cooperatives can significantly impact their communities and the environment through innovative and sustainable solutions. By adopting practices like solar energy and community gardening, these cooperatives pave the way for reduced environmental footprints and inspire other communities to engage in similar efforts. The collaboration and shared goals within these communities exemplify the collective action needed to address climate challenges.