Increasing environmental awareness and public concern continue to influence communities to adopt sustainability initiatives, including life plan communities. From small daily choices to large infrastructure changes, Life Plan communities are setting an example of how residential communities can contribute to a more sustainable future.
According to Where You Live Matters (created by the American Seniors Housing Association), sustainability is increasingly becoming a critical aspect in the planning and developing life plan communities.
A Life Plan community’s sustainability initiatives hold a significant place in the hearts and minds of residents and prospective residents, echoing a deeper commitment to fostering a healthy and nurturing environment. The alignment of personal values with community actions can be a strong determining factor in an individual’s choice of residence, providing them with a home and a haven where they can live in harmony with the environment.
What Is a Life Plan Community?
Life Plan communities offer a continuum of care — residential living, assisted living, and health care services — to accommodate the changing needs of residents as they age. In recent years, many of these communities, like Seabury, have actively incorporated sustainability initiatives into their operations to reduce their carbon footprint and foster a healthier living environment.
What Are Sustainability Initiatives?
Sustainability initiatives are concerted efforts by individuals, communities, organizations, or governments to promote long-term environmental health and economic and social well-being. These initiatives aim to balance existing resource use with preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.
Organizations strive to create a more equitable and healthy planet by utilizing waste and emission reduction, conserving energy and water, and encouraging biodiversity. Through collaboration and innovative solutions, sustainability initiatives seek to pave the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Impact of Life Plan Community Sustainability Initiatives
Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation
Many communities are adopting energy-efficient measures. They are following guidelines and certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to construct energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings.
For example, Seabury was the first privately owned life plan community for adults 50 and over in the US to receive a Green Globes designation for its geothermal system.
In addition, Seabury has utilized solar energy since 2018 to reduce energy consumption. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), implementing energy conservation measures can significantly reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint of buildings. The panels have saved nearly 2,500,000 gallons of water and more than 380,000 of gas.
Waste Management and Recycling
Modern Life Plan communities focus on reducing waste and encouraging recycling. These practices help minimize landfill usage and promote a circular economy. Waste management and recycling take center stage at Seabury, with residents participating in recycling programs and successful efforts to reduce waste at our Bistro Restaurant earning three stars as a certified green restaurant from the Green Restaurant Association.
Community Gardens and Green Spaces
- Community gardens and green spaces enhance life plan communities’ beauty while contributing to sustainability. Seabury’s strategies include:
- A bi-weekly CSA box program offering local produce for purchase by employees, staff, and Seabury At Home Members,
- Ozzi Reusable Containers (Eliminates use of 300 paper products per day),
- Purchasing whole grass-fed steers from a local farm — using all cuts for our culinary program,
- Dedicated raised garden beds for growing and producing local herbs and produce for our culinary program,
- A four-mile trail system maintained by the Resident & Member Trails Committee.
Enhance Your Life at Seabury
Sustainability initiatives at Life Plan communities are more than a trend; they represent a conscious shift toward a greener and healthier lifestyle. Seabury’s commitment to sustainability is a beacon, highlighting our forward-thinking approach and willingness to invest in practices that secure a prosperous and resilient future for all.
Seabury is a 5-star Nursing Home and is CARF-accredited, providing peaceful living opportunities for adults ages 50 and over. Our philosophy centers on our Residents’ physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Living options range from independent apartments and villas to cottages. Our continuum of care model is designed to make Residents’ lives as comfortable as possible. Your Life Plan Contract at Seabury also includes, should you require it in the future, a transition to assisted living, enhanced living, and nursing care services for the same monthly fee. Contact us today for more information!