Co-Housing: The Future of Sustainable Housing

Mar 12, 2010 at 10:30 am
Room # 403

Presented by: Scott Bergford, Scott Homes, Liv Monroe

Session Description:

True green building doesn’t stop with environmental sustainability it strives also for sustainable community, where human beings enjoy life, are nurtured, and want to care for each other and the earth. Cohousing began in the 1970s in Denmark and has spread throughout the world meeting humans’ needs for social connection and privacy. Its structure offers possibilities for extreme green building.

Cohousing is a cooperative, intentional neighborhood characterized by small private dwellings, common facilities, and persons consciously committed to living as community. The physical design encourages living lightly on the land and facilitates social contact. Participation in group decisions, projects, chores, some meals, and celebrations is the glue that strengthens the relationships. Cohousing offers promising solutions to many of today’s challenging social and environmental concerns.

In this session you will hear some of the hardships of navigating in uncharted waters, bringing the regulatory agents on board, and how a builder works with a large group of customers who make decisions by consensus and then change their minds.

Speakers Bios:

Scott Bergford of Scott Homes, Inc.

Scott Bergford of Scott Homes, Inc. has been building homes for 25 years in the South Puget Sound area and from the beginning has been involved in green building in the Super Good Sense program. Now, using products such as structural insulated panels (SIPs), radiant heat, solar panels, and geo thermal heating, Scott Homes is able to build homes that perform with the highest regional and national energy efficiency standards without sacrificing beauty or craftsmanship. All Scott Homes are third party verified for NAHB Green, Energy Star, Built Green, and Builder’s Challenge certifications and achieve the highest ratings.

In 2004, Scott Homes took an active leadership role in Built Green and has been a key member of the Built Green Programs in Pierce & Thurston Counties. In 2007, Bergford was the chairperson of the committee that developed the requirement to meet Energy Star Certification to be eligible to receive the 4 and 5 Star Levels of Built Green Certification.

As a proven, national leader, Scott Homes has received many awards for their energy efficient and sustainable building practices, including the 2009 "Builder of the Year" Energy Value Housing Award, the GOLD AWARD for Custom Builder, "Cold Climate" Energy Value Housing Award, Best "Small Home Designed" and, in 2008, "Small Builder of the Year".

But perhaps the greatest recognition for Scott Homes is enjoying is the steady flow of business in these tough financial times. As Scott Bergford says, “We are committed to building homes that are beautifully designed, exceptionally built, and highly energy efficient. It has been a winning combination for us.”

Liv Monroe

Liv Monroe is a member of Woodard Lane Cohousing, a group of dream-makers who have spent over five years building community while working with Scott to build their homes. In April they will move into their private cozy homes from which they can step into community without getting in a car. Phase two will commence when new families and individuals join them. Liv is also a mediator and teaches Nonviolent Communication.