Findhorn Eco-Village: A Pioneering Example of Sustainable Living and Eco Community
- Jackie De Burca
- February 1, 2025
Findhorn Eco-Village: A pioneering example of sustainable living and eco community
Findhorn Eco-Village is in Moray, Scotland. It’s a place where people live together, focusing on the environment. They welcome over 14,000 visitors each year from more than 50 countries1. This makes it a special place for cultural exchange and diversity1. It is considered a pioneer leader of the best eco-villages in the world.

Key Takeaways
- Findhorn Eco-Village is a pioneering example of sustainable living and eco community.
- The community welcomes over 14,000 visitors annually from over 50 countries1.
- Findhorn Eco-Village has been in existence for around 50 years2.
- The community focuses on reconnecting humans to nature and spirituality.
- Findhorn Eco-Village is a leading example of an eco-village, eco community, and sustainable living1.
- The community has a significant impact on the environment and has inspired hundreds of groups and communities worldwide1.

The Origins and Evolution of Findhorn Eco-Village
Understanding the Principles of Eco Community Living
Places like Findhorn Eco-Village show us how to live differently. They are examples of how we can live in harmony with nature. By learning from these places, we can build better communities that care for the earth and people5.
Some important ideas for living in an ecological community are:
- Using renewable energy
- Growing food in a way that’s good for the planet
- Building homes with materials that don’t harm the environment
- Managing waste so it doesn’t hurt the planet
These ideas help make a place that’s good for the earth and for people. They can work in cities or in the countryside6.
Sustainable Architecture and Design at Findhorn
Findhorn Eco-Village is famous for its green buildings and design. It uses eco-friendly materials, saves energy, and conserves water. The village has strict building rules to ensure all new homes are green7. This has led to creative, eco-friendly buildings like the whisky barrel houses8.
The buildings are made from natural, safe materials. They are also good for your health and comfort7. Findhorn uses solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass for energy8. This makes it a top example of living green and reducing carbon footprint9.
Some key features of Findhorn’s green buildings include:
- Eco-friendly materials like natural insulation and safe paints7
- Energy-saving homes with solar design and renewable energy8
- Water-saving systems like rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse7
Findhorn Eco-Village is a unique, thriving community. It shows how to live green and develop sustainable communities7.
The Heart of Community: Social Structure and Governance
The Findhorn Eco-Village is a thriving example of an eco community that values cooperation and mutual support. It has a social structure and governance system focused on sustainable living and a green lifestyle. After the community buy-out in November 2024, the residents now own the place. They aim to bring back jobs and boost the local economy10.
The village’s governance is built on community and cooperation. Residents work together to make decisions and solve problems. This ensures everyone’s needs are met, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. Education in social and ecological literacy is also key in building a sustainable culture9.
Some key features of the Findhorn Eco-Village’s social structure and governance system include:
- Community-owned land and assets
- Participatory decision-making processes
- Emphasis on cooperation and mutual support
- Education and training programs for residents
These features have helped build a strong community and a commitment tosustainable livingand agreen lifestyle. As the community grows and evolves, it will likely remain a model for othereco communities worldwide10.

Sustainable Food Production and Permaculture Practices
Findhorn Eco-Village is all about growing food in a green way. They use organic gardening, community-supported agriculture, and smart food systems. This helps the local area get fresh, organic food, supporting both the economy and the planet11.
The village’s permaculture methods aim to live in harmony with nature. They cut down on waste and boost biodiversity. Findhorn has become more self-sufficient in food, thanks to these efforts. They grow over 70% of their food through community gardens and smallholdings12.
Some key features of the community’s sustainable food production include:
- Organic gardening methods, which eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
- Community-supported agriculture, which allows members to purchase fresh, locally grown produce
- Food distribution systems, which ensure that excess produce is shared among the community
These practices help the community grow together. They support sustainable living and build a strong sense of togetherness11.
Renewable Energy Solutions and Resource Management
The Findhorn Eco-Village is a pioneer in renewable energy and resource management. It focuses on wind power and energy efficiency13. The village’s four Vestas wind turbines can produce up to 750 kW. This makes the Park settlement net exporters of electricity from renewable sources14.
This energy production is a key part of the eco community’s commitment to sustainability. It helps reduce the village’s carbon footprint.
The community values green lifestyle practices, using wind and solar power13. By focusing on energy efficiency, it cuts down on non-renewable energy use. This approach minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable living.

The Findhorn Eco-Village’s resource management is a model for others. It shows the potential for sustainable living and green practices to benefit the environment14. By adopting similar renewable energy and resource management strategies, other communities can also reduce their carbon footprint. This promotes a more sustainable future.
Daily Life in an Eco Community Based Life: The Findhorn Experience
Findhorn Eco-Village is a thriving sustainable community with over 60 years of history. It has about 500 people, both permanent and temporary15. The community is known for its strong sense of cooperation and commitment to eco-friendly living and environmental practices.
Residents are actively involved in community activities. They help maintain the community gardens, which follow permaculture principles15.
The community also focuses on education and skills development. Various courses and workshops are available for residents and visitors. The Cluny Hill College hosts seminars and courses on sustainable living and environmental practices15.
Additionally, the community has a strong cultural and spiritual aspect. It hosts events and activities that promote social responsibility and human connection.
Some of the key features of the Findhorn Eco-Village include:
- Solar panels and wind turbines that generate clean energy16
- A biomass boiler that reduces carbon emissions by approximately 80 tons annually16
- A “Living Machine” that treats wastewater, promoting eco-friendly living and environmental practices15
The community’s economic model is based on donations, courses, retreats, and guided tours. It focuses on inclusivity and sociocratic methods15. Findhorn Eco-Village is a unique example of a thriving sustainable community that prioritizes eco-friendly living and environmental practices. It serves as a model for other communities to follow17.

Environmental Impact and Conservation Efforts
Initiative | Description |
---|---|
Carbon Footprint Reduction | Use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient housing |
Biodiversity Protection | Preservation and restoration of natural habitats |
Waste Management Initiatives | Minimization of waste and promotion of recycling |
Challenges and Solutions in Eco-Community Living
Findhorn Eco-Village has faced many challenges, like Brexit, Covid-19, arson, and rising energy costs19. Despite these, the village thrives. It focuses on sustainable development, eco-friendly living, and environmental practices. The community uses renewable energy and energy-saving homes to cut down on carbon emissions.
The village puts a lot of effort into education and skills training. It sees the value of sustainable development and environmental practices for a strong community20. By sharing knowledge, the community adapts and finds new ways to tackle problems. As it grows, it stays true to its values of eco-friendly living and environmental practices, inspiring others19.
The Findhorn Eco-Village shows that a community can overcome hard times and thrive. By living eco-friendly and practicing environmental practices, it has built a strong, caring community. This community is committed to protecting the planet and supporting sustainable development20.
How to Join or Start Your Own Eco-Community
Findhorn Eco-Village is a great example for those wanting to join or start an eco-community. It shows how sustainable living can be done together21. The village’s community buy-out shows the power of working together for a greener future. Before joining, think about your lifestyle, values, and how committed you are to living sustainably.
Looking into eco-communities like Findhorn Eco-Village is a good first step22. You’ll learn about their key principles and practices. Important things to consider include:
- Using resources wisely and cutting down on carbon emissions
- Growing organic food and farming sustainably
- Being active in the community and caring for others
To join or start an eco-community, you need a strong commitment to living sustainably. You must also be ready to work together for a greener, more caring community21.
Conclusion: Embracing a Sustainable Future Through Community Living
Today, over 10,000 ecovillages exist worldwide24. This growth shows a big change in how we value our planet and fight climate change24. More people are looking for greener ways to live, wanting to join these communities24. The Leruste family’s choice to live in Plessis is a great example of how community can solve big environmental problems24.
FAQ
What is Findhorn Eco-Village?
When was Findhorn Eco-Village established?
What are the principles of eco community living at Findhorn?
How does Findhorn Eco-Village approach sustainable architecture and design?
What is the social structure and governance system of Findhorn Eco-Village?
How does Findhorn Eco-Village approach sustainable food production and permaculture practices?
What are Findhorn Eco-Village’s approaches to renewable energy solutions and resource management?
What is daily life like in Findhorn Eco-Village?
What are Findhorn Eco-Village’s environmental impact and conservation efforts?
What challenges has Findhorn Eco-Village faced, and how have they been addressed?
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Source Links
- Findhorn Ecovillage | Urban Agenda Platform
- Musings on a month living in a Scottish eco-village
- History — Findhorn Foundation
- Transformative Social Innovation Theory
- 60 years, what an inspiring journey! — Findhorn Foundation
- Findhorn Ecovillage: A nearly zero carbon pioneering settlement in Moray Scotland. – Ecoarc
- Ecovillage Findhorn – a Community Based on Sustainability (GBR) – Sailors for Sustainability
- Integrated Sustainable Community & Ecovillage Design Education
- Sustainable, sharing communities explored in Karen Litfin’s book ‘Ecovillages’
- What Is an Ecovillage and How Does it Work? | Earth.Org
- Findhorn Ecovillage
- Co-Creating with Nature: A Visit to Findhorn
- Findhorn ecovillage – Sustainable Ecovillage
- Findhorn Ecovillage: a model of sustainability for over 60 years
- Could this be the cleanest, friendliest place to live in the world?
- CCCReport_final_130719
- Findhorn, Scotland’s pioneering eco-settlement is 60 years old – what is new? — May East
- After 60 years, what’s new? — Findhorn Foundation
- Integrated Sustainable Community & Ecovillage Design Education
- Eco-villages and eco-communities in Europe – Lumo Houses
- new sanctuary update!
- A critical examination of a community-led ecovillage initiative: a case of Auroville, India – npj Climate Action
- Searching For Utopia In Our Warming World | NOEMA