July 15, 2008
Seniors Living Green
The term green doesn’t make us think any longer of vegetarianism, communes and long hair – some of the visible signs of the counterculture environmental movement that took root in the 60s. Instead the term might remind us, with some trepidation, of global warming, pollution and future generations. But it could also make us think of strong design, cleaner indoor and outdoor environments and enhanced health – matters that have enhanced benefits especially in retirement communities.
The design and building industry has been moving towards greener practices for several years. The US Green Building Council reports that between 2003 and 2004 the market for green building products and services grew 37%, to $7 billion. Although building costs may be slightly higher, the payoff is long lasting. Not only do many of these green products perform better, they also more durable. Another up-side to building green is that people are drawn to these conservation communities and they tend to fill more quickly. Overall, says David Freshwater of the Freshwater Group, green environments are “safe to live in, affordable to operate and less damaging to local, regional and global environments.”
One continuing care retirement community in Connecticut that has used green building practices in renovations and new construction is The Watermark at 3030 Park, located in Bridgeport. Built in the sixties, 3030 Park was one of the first retirement communities in New England. Now, with new owners, the campus is being upgraded, and careful attention is being given to green design and building practices. The new owners are replacing nearly all the existing windows and balcony doors with new, energy efficient ones despite the fact that the existing windows and doors were not failing; replaced rather than repaired existing roofs with new, much better insulated assemblage, installed energy-efficient lighting; and decreased the use of off-gassing building materials (such as found in many kinds of carpet and cabinetries).
The residents of The Watermark at 3030 Park have been most excited at the changes. They participate in on-site recycling programs that include recycling of such unusual items as door plaques, as well as the more typical paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastics; grow vegetables and flowers in community gardens; and take advantage of a complex of walking trails that wind throughout the 15-acre campus.
Says Freshwater, “There are many challenges in designing communities that not only look inviting but enhance the vitality of those who live in them.” He takes the word ‘design’ to mean more than many of us think: “It encompasses every facet of the experience of living in a community. Yes, it’s the built structures – the way space flows and lets light in, the materials used. But it’s also creating the kinds of places that let people feel their own strengths.” He argues that in addition to fostering strong social and cultural programs within the community, green design and building practices are simply one of the best ways to accomplish this. “Even just walking through the lobby, our residents can feel that difference.”
Denise Barnes, The Freshwater Group
Read More:
The Watermark at 3030 Park
Blog: Green homes for baby boomers
______
The Freshwater Group | 2020 West Rudasill Road | Tucson, AZ 85704 | 520.297.9800 | info@thefreshwatergroup.com