Co-Living: The future of sustainability and society

How can something born from necessity, actually be a saving grace? 

In response to the crippling housing crisis and post-covid social isolation, many people are opting for co-living accommodations, and it's on the rise. Co-living is where you share amenities with multiple people, such as kitchens and sometimes bathrooms, whilst still maintaining a private bedroom. 

The United Nations determined that by 2050, 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities, that’s a lot of accommodations needed. Yet at the same time, in 2021 almost 70% of households were under-occupied (1). What if we could throw open those doors? What could that mean for our future? 

Societies’ stake 

House prices in the UK have tripled on average since 2000 and many schemes introduced by the government to get people onto the property ladder only benefit those with an already high income (2). So it’s understandable that many people are opting for more affordable and flexible alternatives. But it is not just economic reasons that have led to this movement. The Office for National Statistics concluded that the younger demographic feel more isolated and alone than the older generations. Something that has only become more apparent in the shadow of the pandemic. But there is also the benefit of convenience. Coliving gives people chances to rent in affluent and well located areas that might have otherwise been inaccessible to them. 

For the sake of sustainability  

A lot of conversation around sustainability involves the need for using resources efficiently and thoughtfully, and co-living at its core is a model that provides a better use of the existing resources. 

Transport 

As touched on above, it also offers inhabitants access to convenient locations, this means increased proximity to sustainable, public transport. Localised accommodations could also offer people shorter commutes that can be biked or walked.  Reducing presence of vehicles and therefore additional pollution. 

Utilities 

When living with multiple occupants, there is a greater level of responsibility. Things like remembering to turn off the lights or being more conscious with water usage, now comes with more accountability. Shared utilities give people a collective incentive to be more conscientious, as their usage impacts everyone's share of the bill.

Food 

Bulk buying and shared meals reduces not only food wastage but also plastic waste. In one year alone, the UK produces roughly 9.5 million tonnes of food waste, could coliving be the answer to this problem? (3). 

Maybe living with multiple people doesn’t appeal to you but there is plenty you can still get involved in. Keep up to date with sustainability efforts and download the UK ZERO APP where you can track clean energy usage in the UK, in real time.