Energy efficient windows and doors have been installed throughout two large CCRCs |
Environment
The Seventh Dimension of Well Being
Much is written about the “Six Dimensions of Wellness” (i.e. Physical, Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Vocational and Intellectual). The Freshwater Group feels so strongly about how one's Environment impacts on personal wellness that it includes Environment as the seventh of seven dimensions of well being in all our planning and decision-making processes (see Seven Dimensions of Well Being). Environments, whether they are natural or built, impact our lives immeasurably. The associates of The Freshwater Group care a great deal about the design (and redesign) of communities, always keeping in mind the impact design has on other six dimensions of wellness. The Freshwater Group takes great pride in the environments it creates by paying attention to details like lighting, colors and other principles of good design, and soliciting feedback from residents and associates before finalizing designs.
Keeping it Green
Mainstream interest in building “green” has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years for a number of very good reasons: Green environments are safe to live in, affordable to operate and less damaging to local, regional and global environments. The Freshwater Group is a strong proponent of building and operating conservation communities, and is continually re-assessing new ways to “keep it green.” Here are just a few of the ways we are already helping the environment:
The community garden at The Watermark at 3030 Park |
On-site recycling programs, including recycling of such unusual items as door plaques, as well as the usual paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastics;
Switching to new paper plates and “to go” containers made of a sugarcane derivative. (Unlike Styrofoam which stays in landfills for eternity, this material is entirely biodegradable. ;
In two large-scale CCRCs the decision was made to replace 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. While this will involve an investment of over $6 million at the first two properties, it will result in a dramatic long-term savings in energy consumption;
In all or our recently acquired CCRCs, it was decided to replace rather than repair existing roofs with new, much better insulated assemblage;
Installing energy-efficient lighting;
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Decreasing use of off-gassing building materials (such as carpet and cabinetries); and
Creating and maintaining inviting outdoor spaces, including community gardens, greenhouses and walking trails.
Creating a “green” community makes sense all around. It’s good for residents’ and employees’ health; it saves money; and it’s good for the environment. But “keeping it green” will always be an ongoing process, not a destination so check back often to see the latest “green” practices our environmentally-conscious leadership, associates and residents have put in place.
And please join The Freshwater Group in keeping it green! |
