# Eco Retirement Cooperatives Chamarel Provides Co-Op Housing for Retired People in Lyon, France By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-02-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coop-housing References: [springwise](https://www.springwise.com/french-retirees-build-ecological-cooperative-housing/) & [cooperativechamarel.wordpress](https://cooperativechamarel.wordpress.com/) This environmentally friendly co-op housing was designed with retirement in mind. Conceived by French retirees, Chamarel is a [retirement cooperative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-for-the-elderly) just outside of Lyon that provides affordable as well as sustainable living space. The cooperative's founders aim to "create a better method for active, healthy aging that would support members for many years and do so in an [environmentally and economically sustainable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolves-lane-centre) way." Members invest into a combined cooperative fund and pay rent on a monthly basis. If they choose to leave, their investment is returned in full. Decisions are also made collectively. The four storey building is insulated with straw and consists of 16 differently sized apartments. Co-op housing addresses an [aging global population](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ellen-browning-building) and indicates co-living is becoming increasingly popular. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Co-op Housing:** Opportunity to create affordable and sustainable living spaces through cooperative housing models. - **Active Aging:** Opportunity to develop innovative methods and models for supporting active and healthy aging. - **Environmental Sustainability:** Opportunity to integrate eco-friendly designs and materials in the construction of retirement communities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can explore cooperative housing models to meet the needs of aging populations. - **Healthcare:** Healthcare providers can develop services and solutions that promote active and healthy aging in co-living environments. - **Construction:** Construction companies can specialize in eco-friendly designs and materials for retirement communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Alternative Housing Co-Living Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bay-state-cohousing.md) - [Dorset Co-Housing Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hazelmead.md) - [Low-Impact Garden Dwellings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-senior-shelter.md) - [Housing Collective Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-comunidad-habitacional.md) - [Cohesive Co-Operative Housing Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sumu-yakashima.md) - [Eco-Focused Family Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rewild-homes.md) - [Early Retirement Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cantinas.md) - [Semi-Open Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-for-the-elderly.md) - [Youth Retirement Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gopeng-sanctuary.md)