You may have already learned that cohousing communities are designed by their future residents, Washington Commons included. As we designed our building, we explored as many ways as possible on how we can lower our carbon footprint. Here are just some of the ways that WCC will support a sustainable future!
Design & Landscaping
Our community reduces 35 homes onto 1/2 acre, while still providing ample privacy for our daily lives. The all-electric building is orientated to capture the Delta Breeze and to reduce direct summer sun on terraces, thus reducing our reliance on A/C during the summer. Being a single building, we are able to reduce our physical footprint and to minimize exterior walls to maximize heating/cooling.
Our gardens and grounds include many eco-friendly features, including a bioretention basin that filters all rainwater from this site before returning it to the aquifer. Our landscaping was designed to provide shading and to be water-efficient.
Graphic Source: Massachusetts Clean Water Toolkit
Our community reduces 35 homes onto 1/2 acre, while still providing ample privacy for our daily lives. The all-electric building is orientated to capture the Delta Breeze and to reduce direct summer sun on terraces, thus reducing our reliance on A/C during the summer. Being a single building, we are able to reduce our physical footprint and to minimize exterior walls to maximize heating/cooling.
Our gardens and grounds include many eco-friendly features, including a bioretention basin that filters all rainwater from this site before returning it to the aquifer. Our landscaping was designed to provide shading and to be water-efficient.
Graphic Source: Massachusetts Clean Water Toolkit
Neighborhood & Building
Site selection was an important part of our process - we wanted a location that was walkable/bikeable and close to mass transportation. That's why we chose an urban location as it supports reduced car travel.
We chose TPO as our roofing material as the white surface reflects heat instead of absorbing it. Homes will be kept cozy during the winter, thanks to central water heating.
And, in addition to our build all-electric, all resident parking spaces come equipped with an EV charger.
Site selection was an important part of our process - we wanted a location that was walkable/bikeable and close to mass transportation. That's why we chose an urban location as it supports reduced car travel.
We chose TPO as our roofing material as the white surface reflects heat instead of absorbing it. Homes will be kept cozy during the winter, thanks to central water heating.
And, in addition to our build all-electric, all resident parking spaces come equipped with an EV charger.
Lifestyle
Many WCC Members will be downsizing into their new homes, which reduces energy needs, cleaning supplies use, and fewer materials used to build our beautiful homes (among the many other things we gain!).
In addition to the physical ways WCC plans to be sustainable, we've incorporated it into our community's lifestyle. For example, Members practice a "borrow before buying" mentality, planning to share a range of resources - from tools and cookware to ski equipment and craft supplies. We will also carpool, and reduce the number of trips to the store by having occasional common meals.
Many WCC Members will be downsizing into their new homes, which reduces energy needs, cleaning supplies use, and fewer materials used to build our beautiful homes (among the many other things we gain!).
In addition to the physical ways WCC plans to be sustainable, we've incorporated it into our community's lifestyle. For example, Members practice a "borrow before buying" mentality, planning to share a range of resources - from tools and cookware to ski equipment and craft supplies. We will also carpool, and reduce the number of trips to the store by having occasional common meals.
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Sustainability Study with UC Davis
UC Davis researchers will be conducting "Before & After" travel surveys of our Members to determine how the site location will affect future travel patterns. It is expected that auto trips will be significantly reduced, both in terms of number and length. |