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The truth is, I'm not going to lie.
A construction industry based on solidarity
The truth is, I'm not going to lie.
SoBaWi (Solidarische Bauwirtschaft) is a self-organised, non-profit network dedicated to environmentally responsible and community-based building. Its aim is to support people in creating living spaces that are in harmony with nature, conserve resources and are socially sustainable.
The initiative combines knowledge sharing, practical on-site assistance, networking between experts and laypeople, and the documentation of proven eco-construction techniques. At its core are the open sharing of experiences, collaborative learning processes, and support for specific construction projects using natural materials, minimal land sealing, and the highest possible levels of energy and water self-sufficiency.
The collaboration is non-commercial and operates on the principle of open source: building knowledge, contacts, sources of supply and practical solutions are developed collectively, documented and made accessible to all participants. Regular online working groups, face-to-face meetings and site visits foster exchange, co-creation and social cohesion.
SoBaWi views building not merely as a technical task, but as a cultural and social process. Through collaborative planning and implementation, spaces are created that combine ecological responsibility, self-efficacy and a ‘good life for all’.
Institution type/carrier
Non-profit organisation
How is your initiative financed?
The initiative is primarily funded by the association’s membership fees, voluntary work, contributions organised independently by those involved, and contributions made in kind by participants in the building projects. Meetings and on-site assistance are deliberately organised on a low budget, often involving shared costs, private accommodation and mutual support. Additional project-specific contributions may also be made by the families involved in the building projects, in the form of contributions in kind or other forms of private support.
Participation opportunities
The initiative offers a wide range of accessible opportunities for public participation. Anyone interested can get involved in community-led construction projects and gain practical experience with eco-friendly building methods, natural materials and resource-efficient techniques.
In addition, it is possible to get involved in thematic working groups, for example on planning, energy, water, material cycles, documentation or knowledge platforms. Regular online meetings and on-site assignments allow for both ongoing involvement and occasional assistance.
Another key way to get involved is through workshops, learning building sites and open exchange formats, where knowledge is shared and developed collaboratively. People with no prior experience are also expressly welcome, as mutual learning and supportive collaboration are at the heart of the initiative.
In addition, individuals can contribute their own building or housing projects, bring contacts and opportunities for cooperation into the network, offer spaces, or contribute to the initiative’s growth through organisational and communicative support.
What’s needed
Financing Engaged citizen Part time volunteers Strong arms Expertise/knowledge projects.participation_option_agricultural_land_a_plot A Building/house A room An open space A temporary place A garden Equipment Paid employeeOther
Digital knowledge infrastructure, building sites as learning environments, natural building materials, network partners for community-based housing and construction projects
Objectives
The initiative’s overarching aim is to create sustainable and affordable housing and living spaces that are in harmony with natural cycles.
This includes, in particular:
Promoting ecological and circular construction methods
Sharing practical knowledge on natural building materials, energy, water and self-sufficiency
Community support for building projects through mutual assistance
Strengthening personal responsibility and practical skills
Building a supportive network for sustainable housing and living
Development of open learning and training formats for ecological building practices
In the long term, SoBaWi aims to demonstrate that construction can be organised in a simpler, more resource-efficient, more socially inclusive and financially fairer way.
Impact
The immediate impact of the initiative lies in empowering people to carry out eco-friendly building projects independently.
Participants gain practical knowledge, access to experienced supporters and confidence in their own ability to take action. At the same time, real-world construction projects emerge that showcase resource-efficient materials, reduced living space, minimal soil sealing and collaborative usage concepts.
Furthermore, the initiative strengthens social bonds, mutual support and a new understanding of housing as part of a sustainable lifestyle. The documented experiences create multiplier effects, as solutions can be adopted and further developed by other projects.
Target audience
The target group comprises people who wish to develop or implement sustainable, community-based and affordable housing solutions.
These include, in particular:
Individuals and families with building or renovation projects
People with an interest in craftsmanship, focusing on natural building
Professionals in architecture, timber construction, energy and permaculture
Community projects, tiny house and self-sufficient housing initiatives
Young people in independent craft training
People seeking solidarity-based networks for self-sufficiency and resilient living spaces
Career changers with no prior experience are also part of the target group, as the initiative deliberately focuses on mutual learning and low-threshold participation.
Challenges and learning successes
A particular challenge is the decentralised, sociocratic collaboration between the many stakeholders involved. A key learning outcome is that a resilient, supportive network is growing through open-source knowledge, clearly defined working groups and practical on-site assistance.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Eradicate Poverty Zero Hunger Quality Education Clean Water and Sanitation Affordable and Clean Energy Decent Work and Economic Growth Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Sustainable Cities and Communities Responsible Consumption and Production Climate Action Life on Land Partnerships to achieve the goalSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
PDAT 1 : Prepare Resilience of Territory PDAT 2 : Ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion PDAT 3 : Ensure sustainable use of natural resources PDAT 4 : Accelerating the transition to a climate neutral territorySustainability Targets
- Eradicate Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Quality Education
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life on Land
- Partnerships to achieve the goal
PDATs
- PDAT 1: Prepare Resilience of Territory
- PDAT 2: Ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion
- PDAT 3: Ensure sustainable use of natural resources
- PDAT 4: Accelerating the transition to a climate neutral territory
More on PDATs
Name of Organization
- SOBAWI.ORG.LU
- sk8board44@gmail.com
Address & geo, Contact person
- Xavier
- sk8board44@gmail.com
- +352661367754
The initiative information was originally written in German
