Household tool sharing system for condominium
About this good practice
In this trial, the city of Jyväskylä provided the residents of selected condominiums an opportunity to borrow shared tools that they either do not own themselves or that they need only occasionally, such as power drills.
The experiment was carried out by establishing a physical "sharing system" i.e. a locker for the tools which was placed in the common spaces in each condominium. Borrowing took place using a paper loan book by the locker.
The experiment was carried out in two condominiums in the Kangas residential district, in Jyväskylä. A total of 104 residents live in these condominiums that participated in the experiment. After the trial period, the sharing lockers were left in the condominiums for the residents to use also in the future.
Resources needed
The City provided the locker and the tools to be shared by the residents (total worth approximately 700 EUR). Additionally, a project worker worked approximately 82 hours within 6 months to organise, market and monitor the use of the sharing system. Approximately, this equals to 10% working time.
Evidence of success
Users of the tool sharing locker found the system useful and a good solution to reduce unnecessary consumption. A total of 16 loans were made during the trial period three months. Based on a survey targeted to the residents of the condominiums, the residents intend to continue using the system and were happy to have such a service close by.
We learned that maintaining and increasing the utilization rate of the tool sharing system requires regular communication and reminders to the residents.
Potential for learning or transfer
The idea of the tool sharing system is transferable directly to any condominium as such. The system is easy and affordable to introduce either by the help of public funding (City) or it can be implemented in condominiums with small efforts directly.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.