The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (U.S. Department of Energy) features Takoma Village Cohousing (TVC) on its Web site. TVC is one of the few multifamily buildings in their High Performance Building database.

We are also featured on the Architectural Resource Collaborative (ARC) Regional Sustainable Resource Directory.Go to the

A new kind of condominium in Washington, DC

Cohousing is an efficient, economical and environmentally sound way to live. Our community is in a convenient location, minimizing the need for transit. We used "green" products and an energy efficient design. In fact, all units were awarded US EPA/DOE Energy Star® certification in May of 2001! Equally as important, it is great to come home to a place where neighbors know your name, and will leave the light on for you!

Energy

• Extra insulation gives to exterior walls an insulation value of R19, and to attics of R38.
• Blown cellulose, made of recycled paper fiber, fills the space more thoroughly than the familiar pink mineral-fiber bats.
• Ground-source heat pumps are roughly five times as efficient as conventional systems. Loops are buried underground, where the temperature is a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating and cooling is inexpensive, and we have no noisy boxes outside.

Environment

• Certified sustainably harvested lumber contributed to deforestation less than conventionally built homes.
• Fiber-cement siding is more durable than wood. It contains recycled content. It also holds paint better, saving maintenance costs.
• Natural linoleum, recycled- content carpet, recycled rubber, and natural cork are durable and planet-friendly flooring materials.
• Telephone, cable and ethernet connections in almost every room allow residents to telecommute with ease. We share a high-speed Internet connection at a low cost.
• Our location is two blocks from the Takoma metro station. We are close to schools, a public playground, pool, library, 24-hour pharmacy, and the town center of Takoma Park, MD. Within a half mile are a supermarket, video store and many restaurants. Downtown is about 15 -20 minutes away. As urban infill, TVC does not add to urban sprawl.

Health

• Gas fireplaces, low-formaldehyde plywood, and low-VOC paints, sealants and adhesives maximize indoor air quality.
• Light pipes provide natural light to many of the upper floor rooms.

Community

• Common ownership: each household owns 1/43 of all shared property, equipment, etc.
• We pool our knowledge and experience, which includes finance, building maintenance, insurance, technology, home making and artistic skills, law and health, among other talents.
• Residents know each other and can look out for their neighbors
• Events and spontaneous gatherings allow us to socialize without using fuel for transportation