9 out of 10 new eco-communities fail. We want to change that.

With the initiative “Spectacular Communities – Spectacular Solutions”, supported by the philanthropic association Realdania, Landsforeningen for Økosamfund and Kontra Advokater will jointly examine the challenges that many enthusiasts and green communities face. This new initiative will make it easier for communities, eco-communities and farm collectives to establish themselves in and around disused buildings in Denmark. The initiative will identify the barriers that often stop groups of enthusiasts from realizing the vision of a greener lifestyle with strong communities.

Why this project?
Housing communities and eco-communities play an important role in developing sustainable and inclusive housing. They strengthen communities, reduce loneliness, and can lift local areas by acting as laboratories for sustainable lifestyle choices. However, housing communities with a focus on green transition and regenerative practices often face challenges in the start-up phase, as they do not always fit into common legislative frameworks and are rarely supported by financial systems that traditionally do not accept collective loan applications.

“We know the challenges of starting community-based housing in Denmark – and there are many. The boring statistics say that only 1 in 10 groups in the start-up phase reach the goal. With this project, we want to get straight to the point and find possible solutions” (Project Manager Dicte Frost)

Through four specific objectives, the initiative wants to pave the way for more spectacular residential communities and eco-communities:

1. Inspiration from European housing communities

The project maps innovative community housing models from the rest of Europe and assesses how the experiences can be transferred and adapted to Danish conditions.

2. Development of customized solutions

Together with Kontra Advokater, concrete recommendations are prepared on how to overcome legal and financial barriers that many housing communities in Denmark encounter.

3. Network for startup groups

The project establishes a network where new housing communities can receive sparring, advice and exchange experiences and build relationships with like-minded people.

4. Advisory Network

A consultant network is being formed that can be available to housing communities that want advice in the start-up phase, with support and guidance for their development.

Disused buildings can be given new life as housing communities

Several former production buildings, manor houses and estates are currently empty, but hold great potential for housing communities. The project therefore examines how these buildings can become homes for green communities that are ready to revitalize empty buildings with a new function as modern housing communities.

Housing communities with an edge and a sustainable profile

With common goals of responsible use of resources and a greener form of housing, housing communities with an edge challenge classic housing types and create space for more sustainable lifestyle choices. These communities can inspire the sustainable forms of housing of the future and reduce environmental impact through the reuse of buildings, innovative solutions and shared resources.

The initiative ‘Spectacular Communities – Spectacular Solutions’ is therefore aimed at actors such as housing companies, developers, financial institutions, foundations and architects who want to engage in sustainable communities that think and act a little differently than most. Communities that vary in size and can range from individual housing units with shared facilities to larger collectives where everything except private bedrooms are shared.

Follow the development of the project here on our website or our social media.

Project period: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.

Contact: dicte@okosamfund.dk