Brookdale Senior Living has announced that 25 of its senior living communities have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® certification. An operator of senior living communities throughout the United States, the company runs independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,031 communities totalling approximately 90 million square feet in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 101,000 residents as of September 30, 2017. Through its ancillary services program, Brookdale also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services.
To earn the EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification, buildings must perform in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide. ENERGY STAR® certified buildings use an average of 35% less energy than typical buildings and also release an average of 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while meeting strict requirements to ensure occupant comfort.
In 2017, Brookdale installed more than 48,000 energy saving occupancy sensors across the system. These sensors automatically turn off lights in common areas. The company also reduced water usage by installing high efficiency water fixtures.
“I’m incredibly proud of our communities that have been recognized with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification,” said Marla Thalheimer, director of sustainability at Brookdale Senior Living. “This achievement is a true reflection of the commitment we have to operating responsibly. By saving energy, we’re also saving money on the cost of powering our buildings.”
For 2017, the number of Brookdale communities receiving the EPA certification increased from 21 to 25 from the previous year. “We’re excited to continue to grow the sustainability initiative at Brookdale,” added Thalheimer. “Improving the energy efficiency of our communities is important to the mission of Brookdale and is vital to protecting our environment.”
Brookdale communities that received the ENERGY STAR® certification include:
Arizona: Brookdale Heritage Palmeras (Sun City)
Florida: Brookdale Altamonte Springs (Altamonte Springs); Brookdale Avondale (Jacksonville); Brookdale Downtown Sarasota (Sarasota); Brookdale Gainesville Southwest (Gainesville); Brookdale Lutz (Lutz); Brookdale Orange City (Orange City); Brookdale Pensacola (Pensacola); Brookdale Safety Harbor (Clearwater); Brookdale Vero Beach (Vero Beach); Bella Vita Venice (Venice); Horizon Bay Tamarac 1 (Tamarac); and Horizon Bay Tamarac Clare Bridge Place (Tamarac)
Georgia: Brookdale Buford (Buford); Brookdale Marietta AL/MC (Marietta)
New Mexico: Brookdale Santa Fe (Santa Fe)
Ohio: Brookdale Deer Park (Cincinnati)
Oklahoma: Brookdale Village (Oklahoma City)
Oregon: Brookdale Grants Pass Village (Grants Pass)
Texas: Brookdale North Richland Hills (North Richland Hills); Brookdale Round Rock (Austin); and Brookdale San Marcos North (San Marcos)
Utah: Brookdale Southgate (Saint George)
Wisconsin: Brookdale Appleton (Appleton) and Brookdale Stevens Point (Stevens Point)
Read the 2017 Brookdale Senior Living sustainability report in PDF form here.
