Building Blocks: Buildings work better when neighbors share

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How shared resources are transforming modern buildings

Apartment buildings are more than just places to live—they’re ecosystems of people with overlapping needs. Yet, most residents live in isolation when it comes to everyday resources, even when they’re surrounded by neighbors who own the same things. Vacuums, drills, bikes, and even printers—items that are useful but often sit unused—could be shared instead of individually purchased and stored.

This shift from ownership to access is already happening across industries, from co-working spaces to car-sharing. Now, it’s making its way into residential buildings. In a recent episode of Building Blocks, Yael Shemer from Tulu shared how buildings can adopt shared resources to improve convenience, reduce waste, and create stronger communities.

What is Tulu, and how does it work?

Tulu is a platform that allows residents to access household essentials on demand, directly from their building. Instead of buying and storing items like vacuums, tools, and scooters, residents can borrow them as needed through an app. Tulu installs smart rental stations inside residential buildings, providing 24/7 access to high-quality products without the cost and clutter of ownership. The result? A more efficient, affordable, and sustainable way to live.

For condo and co-op boards, this concept is more than just an amenity—it’s a way to modernize buildings while enhancing resident satisfaction and retention.

Why should boards consider shared resources?

For condo and co-op board members, resident experience directly impacts retention, property values, and long-term building success. Shared resources address key concerns that boards are already thinking about:

• Quality of life: Residents get convenient access to essentials without needing to own and store them.
• Resident retention: Buildings that offer valuable services make people more likely to stay.
• Sustainability: Reducing unnecessary purchases lowers waste and aligns with modern eco-conscious living.
• Space optimization: Shared amenities reduce clutter in apartments, making smaller units more functional.

How shared resources support sustainability and efficiency

The environmental impact of consumer habits is staggering. The average American spends $2,500 a year on household goods, many of which sit unused or end up in landfills. At the same time, buildings contribute about 30% of all energy-related carbon emissions. Younger generations are already embracing access over ownership in many aspects of life. Studies show that 50% of millennials and Gen Z would rather rent products than buy them outright. Their expectation? That their buildings will evolve in the same way. By integrating shared resources, buildings can:

• Reduce waste by decreasing unnecessary purchases.
• Lower storage needs, making compact apartments more livable.
• Align with sustainability goals, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
• Strengthen community engagement, encouraging meaningful resident interactions.

The future of buildings: More sharing, less ownership

Forward-thinking boards are recognizing this shift and adapting their buildings to match modern resident needs. By implementing shared resource programs, they’re creating more attractive, sustainable, and resident-friendly communities. As Yael put it in Building Blocks, the shift from "I want something, therefore I buy it" to "I need something, therefore I use it" is already underway. The question is—will buildings keep up?