Community Toolkit > Land Use > EcoVillage Model

Ecovillage Model

Sirius Community; Shutesbury, Massachusetts

Community Profile: Shutesbury, the town in which the Sirius Community is located, is home to approximately 1900 residents.  It is located in Franklin County in central Massachusetts. The town is governed by an open town meeting with the assistance of a town administrator.   

Project Outline:

The Sirius Community is an educational center for ecological and spiritual living founded by Gordon Davidson and Corinne McLaughlin in the late 1970’s. The community is home to approximately 25 full time members as well as numerous apprentices, exploring members, associate members, students, and guests.

Ecovillages are an efficient use of land, but many towns would not permit this land use because of conflicts with existing regulations. In the case of Sirius and other ecovillages the buildings are generally clustered close together, make use of alternative building materials, utilize alternative waste treatment processes, have smaller roads and parking needs, include some commercial aspects (Bed & Breakfast, training facility, small businesses run by residents, farm stands, etc.) and have their own social structure that allows for group ownership of equipment and facilities. These an other aspects often lead to issues with the regulations that are in place, but their are innovative regulatory tools that can be used to provide the flexibility needed for the creation of these self supporting villages and the open space they protect.

The original purchase of the land was funded through generous private donations and loans.

Sirius Community is recognized as a 501c3 not for profit organization as a result of their educational programs. This status allows the community to remain tax exempt, although they have elected to make monetary contributions to the town of Shutesbury in lieu of taxes. This money, which is collected from member dues, allows the community to still receive emergency services and other amenities from Shutesbury.

This intentional community utilizes sustainable living methods such as organic gardening, off-grid “green” energy systems, composting waste management, and passive solar architecture.

They emphasize simple living, with most of their buildings being constructed entirely from on-site materials and the majority of their heat coming from wood burning that is harvested on their land.  The community also offers vegetarian meal sharing and a gardenshare program where individuals can pay to eat from the community’s organic garden.

The community has two buildings which are constructed entirely from alternative building materials: the Cobb House and the Straw Bale House. Both function within the community and are used as teaching resources as well.

Sirius Community also uses wind and solar energy to power their community center, which is where conferences and most workshops are held. The energy is stored in batteries which are kept in the community’s storage shed.

The process for becoming a member is a patient, thoughtful one where the prospect, or exploring, member becomes acquainted with the community. During this time they are still a contributing member of the community, offering 8 hours per week of service and dues of $65 per month (land use fee), but do not yet receive full benefits of a membership. After a period of exploration, the prospect then completes an orientation program of eight weeks. After orientation, the prospective member meets with the Core Group, five members who have been with the community over one year, to decide if the prospective member is a good fit for the community. The process can last anywhere from four months to one year.

Members do not need to live on site in the community, though Sirius offers room and board to those who choose to do so.  Associate members may also live within the community even though they have chosen not to explore full membership.

For more information about the Sirius Community contact their main office via email or call 1-413-259-1251.

Other ecovillage models include the Ecovillage at Ithica, another intentional community dedicated to promoting sustainable living. The village currently includes two 30-home cohousing neighborhoods, an organic CSA vegetable farm, an organic berry farm, office spaces for cottage industry, an education office, a warm-season grasses ecosystem restoration project, a sheep pasture, and varied natural areas. Over 80% of the 175 acre site is planned to remain green space, including 55 acres in a conservation easement held by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. For more information, contact the EVI office.

The community building

The greenhouse and passive solar heating at the back of the Community Building

The cobb house.  One of several dwelling units constructed at Sirius.