Eco-building for eco-living, an essential step to face climate change

Abstract

The article provides an historical overview of ecological design within the context of intentional communities. It explores how this design approach has evolved over time and emphasizes its significant contributions to the struggle against climate change. The key principles used by ecovillages (renewable energies, waste recycling, water consumption, voluntary simplicity and degrowing economies, shared governance) are recalled, bringing into light interactions between eco-housing and eco-living designs at all scales. The paper discusses the various challenges faced by ecovillages, such as the need to deeply articulate their own project to a local territory, while simultaneously being part of international networks. The demonstration argues that ecovillages already act, and could have a wider potential to promote sustainable living if they were considered as “setting an example”. The critical discussion acknowledges the difficulty in quantifying ecovillages’ current contributions. However, for their qualitative potential, they are seen as a valuable and strong potential resource in the fight against global warming. In summary, the article highlights the holistic approach of ecovillages in addressing all climate change issues and suggests considering them as laboratories for “empathic” architecture.