"Housing for Environmental and Human Health: Intersecting the Living Building Challenge and Cohousing" presents a research study on environmentally conscious cohousing development in Utah. The state of housing in Utah faces competing challenges–a housing shortage that cannot be ignored as well as the negative impact of the built environment on the state’s natural resources. A possible solution lies in energy-efficient housing developments that are intentionally designed, built, and occupied. This paper investigates cohousing as a potential model for these developments, along with methods for meeting the Energy imperative of the Living Building Challenge. Cohousing’s participatory organization has been shown to generate increased social capital while also providing continuing support for sustainable living. The requirements of the Living Building Challenge are one of the most stringent standards for regenerative design. Its Energy imperative requires 105% of energy to be generated on-site, without using combustion. In addition, a twelve-month performance period proving compliance after occupancy is mandatory for certification. With its generally smaller living spaces, shared resources, and opportunities for increased user accountability, cohousing is a natural partner for Living Building Certification, combining energy-efficient infrastructure and systems with occupant accountability for energy-usage.

This paper investigates a case study of a cohousing infill design project in Salem, Utah, meant to address the city’s rapid suburban growth and under-used inner-city parcels. Sefaira software was used to perform energy modeling on the project to investigate different design strategies for meeting the net-positive energy, no combustion requirements of the Living Building Challenge. By using a split system HVAC, Passivhaus enclosure systems, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances, it was determined that roof PV panels could supply these needs. However, without occupant accountability, these measures are shown to prove insufficient. This paper captures the design methods and research process for the analyzed case study. It concludes with recommendations for how cohousing’s social structure could contribute to the continued compliance of the project.

Citation:

Quesenberry, J., and Aksamija, A., (2025). “The Living Building Challenge and Multigenerational Cohousing: Navigating the Environmental and Housing Issues in Utah”, Proceedings of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) 2025 International Conference, University of Maryland and Howard University, MD and Washington, DC, April 2 to 5.