This article is made in collaboration with Poshtel Int.
Recorded version on the article:
It’s 2020. Despite the major virus setback, we still only have 10 years to slow down the global greenhouse emissions to avoid a climate catastrophe. If we are to succeed, we need to change the way we live, eat, produce and consume. The main challenge is about resiliency and the solution might be sustainable Co-Living.
At latitude 55 of the northern hemisphere in a small Danish village called Vejby, a group of renowned designers, architects and pioneers led by Poshtel Int. in a partnership with Rambøll and Almenr, is setting up a new sort of sustainable settlement, that marks an era of planet-friendly Co-Living that will alter the lifestyle of the future human being.
The community in Vejby is gently dubbed ‘Elleville’ and is located in a commutable distance to Copenhagen. It is made up of topnotch, high-end cabin houses entirely made from wood and reusable materials. The modern style pop-up cabin houses are created by the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels (BIG) and are designed-to-disassembly to make sure that the community has a responsible impact on the planet by leaving zero negative footsteps behind.
The residents are all attracted to the idea of living close to nature under a starry, starry sky in wooden cabins, while still being able to commute to work or work remotely
Needless to say, the community is powered by Danish wind energy, with the newest green technologies and a water supply based on a concept called the 5th element.
It seems to the best of all worlds: The perfect balance between safe settlement and a nomadic lifestyle setup that doesn’t outwear our planet.
Small Pop-Up Communities
‘Elleville’ is just the first of hundreds of communities that Poshtel and founder Morten Lund (b. 1972, Skype-investor) plans to build on a global scale. They are easy to set up and remove and can “pop-up” anywhere on the planet. Rather than reshaping the megacities sustainably, Poshtel wants to build new small communities for the modern human being, that loves the fellowship of a village, the vibe of a big city and the amazing landscapes of the countryside.
They want to send a strong signal to the world, supporting the messages of Greta Thunberg and her generation-Z: We want a green, sustainable future for everyone — and it is possible.
Planet Friendly Co-Living As The Future
Climate scientists keep reminding us that we need a more radical change to solve the challenges of global warming before it is too late. They recommend global carbon-taxation, new foresting, massive green investments and a grand transition to a fossil-free economy.
But they also emphasize the importance of changing the mindset and behavior of all 7 billion people on earth.
Consumers have to quit overusing carbon-heavy products like gas-fueled airplanes and vehicles, cow meat and non-sustainable lifestyle brands. What we do, how we live, eat and consume has an impact on the planet. A planet has it’s needs too, and ours needs to be permanently cooled around -2 and maximum +2 degrees, to be inhabitable for future generations.
The planet likes when we share and aim to grow collectively and in solidarity. It likes when we use renewable energy sources and replant forests.
If nothing changes, we are heading towards a global temperature of potentially +4 degrees within this century according to the IPCC (UN Climate Panel). The consequences are incomprehensible with regards to economic recessions, climate migrants and collapsing societies.
To avoid this we have to learn to consider ourselves as a part of the planetary ecosystem, that has to regenerate rather domesticate nature where we live.
A strong community is more resilient
The community ‘Elleville’ is composed by 90 houses, but 700 people already signed up for the waiting list.
The coming residents are all attracted to the idea of sharing and leasing while living close to nature under a starry, starry sky in wooden cabins. They all like the idea of having a community kitchen with a barista café. In ‘Elleville’ Bindia chef Amer Sulman will help the community by facilitating a nordic-ayurvedic inspired restaurant. They will also have access to Co-Working facilities, a Yoga-house, playing fields, laundry, and even an orangery. The idea of Co-Living means people getting together in a green community with waste management, sharing systems and inspiring events for all ages.
It is not some chaotic hippie fantasy, but a realistic cost-benefit way of living a good sustainable life.
So How Does The Planet Wants Us To Live?
The extreme weather conditions, natural catastrophes and the rise of the oceans is the planet’s way of warning us that we are doing something wrong.
Earth doesn’t like it when we burn fossil fuels to create the material basis for overconsumption. It doesn’t like when we stick together in heavily polluted megacities made from concrete, steel, and glass. It doesn’t like it when we exaggerate individualism and believe that everyone should have access to unlimited material growth.
As a contrast, the planet likes when we share and aim to grow collectively and in solidarity. It breathes when we use renewable energy sources and replant forests. It likes when we spread our species in smaller communities where it is easier to adapt and create regenerative environments. It loves when we strive to live in balance with animals, plants, and nature.
It likes when we get together in balanced Co-Living communities based on sustainable principles.
Can 10 Billion People Live Sustainably?
Is it possible to live 7–10 billion people in smaller Co-Living communities like ‘Elleville’?
The short answer is yes. We have landscapes. We have the technology and we have the knowledge. We have a company like Poshtel int. that is on the mission with its partners and co-creators. We also have a growing movement of people that wants a more sustainable lifestyle.
It is not an easy task to create a sustainable world. It would be much easier if we had a brand new start on a completely untouched planet.
But the concept of green Co-Living as in ‘Elleville’ can serve as an inspiration on how to live a more sustainable modern life.
I am pretty sure the pale blue dot we call our home, would be thankful.
