Shared Works
Shared Works is where a community comes together to improve their built environment. This could start with simple things like maintenance - cleaning windows and gutters, or cutting grass. It could then move on to renewal of elements, like roofs, or masonry pointing. The Shared Works approach enables more complex changes to buildings, such as adding insulation, or energy systems (commonly known as ‘retrofit’) to be successful.
Shared Works creates groups to share things like tools, clothes and goods, bikes, or to get funding together to invest in shared energy systems.
To make the most of what is possible, formal structures are needed, from an unincorporated community group, to a Stair Association, to a Residents Association, or a Development Trust. Formal structures can have shared bank accounts, apply for funds, and employ contractors. A group can more easily afford professional consultants, and work with more professional contractors, increasing the chance of work being a success.
Diagram showing the progress on isolated individuals, to loose associations, to more structured groups, and the increasing scale of positive outcomes.
A B C… Shared Repairs to Shared Works
A is for Association. Formal Groups all need a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. They need governance to help make decisions. This might seem lots of work, but it is needed to enable the next steps
B is for Building Passport. A Building Passport is a survey-based report which looks at your building, and you, and your community. It sets out any maintenance needs, and energy improvement needs. Read more here.
C is for Cash. Set up a Building Reserve Fund for any future planned maintenance, and save up for future improvements. The Building Passport gives a budget for every year for the next decade and beyond, which is used to decide how much goes into the Building Reserve Fund
