April 22, 2024 —Sustainability has become a top priority for many communities and organizations, and Kendal Affiliates are no exception. Where You Live Matters writes, “Green building initiatives began about 20 years ago to create more sustainable buildings, companies and organizations that reduce toxic carbon emissions. In recent years, senior living has taken up the cause with many communities transitioning to green energy or building new communities with sustainability at the forefront.”
As an organization inspired by Quaker values, Kendal applies environmental stewardship as a guiding principle influencing decision-making and operations. With a strong focus on community-based efforts, Kendal has helped promote sustainable design and operational approaches for Life Plan Communities nationwide, with many working towards net-zero plans. As a result, the Kendal System is working to reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy-efficient, providing a better experience for residents and helping to create a greener and healthier planet.
Frank Mandy, VP of Development and Planning for The Kendal Corporation, assists Kendal Affiliates with sustainability planning. He shares, “I am proud to be part of Kendal’s sustainability efforts. I believe focusing on sustainability is important for any organization, and I’m fortunate to help Affiliates reach their sustainability goals.” During 2023, Frank worked with a Sprint Group of residents and staff from across the Kendal System to track the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act programs that support sustainability programming for not-for-profits.
Sustainable Design
Kendal Affiliates have implemented sustainable building designs to minimize environmental impact and sustainable practices that include installing energy-efficient lighting systems, solar panels, and green building materials such as recycled steel and wood.
In addition to constructing the LEED-certified 24-unit apartment building in 2019, Kendal at Ithaca has a green roof that helps retain water and regulate the indoor environment by absorbing heat and reducing energy consumption. The community also switched to 100% sustainable electricity purchases – mainly wind- with additional solar subsidizing the delivery cost of our electric power.
Enso Village opened to residents in the fall of 2023 as a shining example of sustainable approaches to design. One of the most significant features of Enso Village is its environmentally conscious approach and goal to have a net zero carbon footprint as early as possible in its operation. The community will use a significant amount of power generated by solar panels installed on carports throughout the community. In addition, the electricity used by Enso Village is tied to municipal geothermal energy created at a nearby geyser basin. The community has 48 electric charging stations for residents’ cars, encouraging them to adopt zero-emissions transportation alternatives. Enso Village was also built with Red List-free materials, meaning no toxic or harmful substances were used in the building process. The planning for Enso Verde in the Los Angeles area will also embrace similar sustainability goals and, in some cases, take it to an even greater level.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs
Kendal Affiliates have implemented waste reduction programs, and residents are encouraged to participate in recycling and composting programs to reduce waste streams, conserve resources, and reduce environmental pollution. Many have also partnered with local municipalities to ensure that the communities around them stay clean and green.
Kendal at Lexington and Collington are working to put all that plastic to good use as part of the fun and rewarding “Trex Challenge.” The Trex Challenge encourages schools and communities to collect 500 pounds of plastic film waste in six months. The reward? A free bench that can be used on community walking trails.
Sustainable Transportation
In many Kendal Affiliates, transportation remains a key focus in sustainability plans. Some communities have installed charging stations to support the use of electric vehicles. Kendal at Oberlin began offering hybrid buses to shuttle people around the campus. These buses help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation. Kendal at Ithaca uses an electric vehicle for resident transportation and continues to convert the fleet to electric vehicles.
Energy Conservation
Kendal Affiliates have implemented energy-saving measures such as low-flow water fixtures, insulation, and double-pane windows. Communities have also installed energy-efficient lighting systems to reduce the required electricity. Residents are also encouraged to conserve energy and reduce their environmental impact by reducing their energy footprint around the community.
Barclay Friends implemented lighting management in the new building through a building management system and applied LED retrofits whenever CFLs and incandescent bulbs were replaced. Kendal at Hudson installed (80) smart thermostats in the health center monitored by the BMS system and has a grey water collection system from rooftops into water barrels in all four of their main buildings. To reduce the carbon footprint at Lathrop Community, they installed a higher efficiency chiller, Smart Street lighting and on-demand hot water units.
Kendal at Oberlin, also certified as a Level II Arboretum, initiated a Dark Sky initiative to include testing lighting to meet the requirements of both the International Dark Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineers Society. Their long-term Master Landscape Plan includes energy conservation initiatives, including low-mow, no-mow, prairie, and tree selection. These initiatives support reductions in the use of fossil fuels to mow lawns, enhance the environment for pollinators and improve the shade canopy and carbon sequestration, which reduces energy consumption.
Lifelong Learning and Sustainability
Kendal Affiliates have incorporated sustainability issues into Lifelong Learning opportunities and programs, allowing residents to learn more about the environment, the dangers of climate change, and ways to reduce their impact. Through presentations, guest speakers, and discussions, residents can better understand the importance of sustainability and their role in creating a greener and healthier planet for future generations.
Kendal at Lexington held a Zoom panel, allowing participants to gain valuable knowledge about existing campus sustainability efforts and further explore future endeavors to enhance the community’s environmental goals.
Promoting Change
Kendal at Hanover’s commitment to sustainability is admirable. From energy efficiency to sustainable food and landscaping practices, the community is making significant strides towards reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing the quality of life of its residents. Kendal at Hanover created a sustainability coordinator position, incorporated energy recovery units into its HVAC system, and supports recycling and resident composting efforts. Collington has also committed to a Campus Sustainability Plan and a Campus Net Zero Plan under development.
“We’re Green, We’re Gray, and We’re NOT Going Away!
In 2020, Kendal at Hanover residents, concerned about climate change’s impacts on their children, grandchildren, and the world’s future generations, worked with senior residents across the Kendal system to form Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment (SSAFE). The founders contacted every Kendal Residents Council president at the affiliate communities. The issue resonated, and the organization quickly grew to include their project teams: Greening Our Campuses, Advocacy, and Education.
Over 500 residents at Kendal communities in 8 states collaborated to create an enterprising standalone non-profit organization focused on reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 on their campuses. All that’s folded into the SSAFE motto, “We’re Green, We’re Gray, and We’re NOT Going Away!
Benefits to Operations
MyLifeSite states, “While many people take measures to reduce their impact on the environment because it is the right thing to do, there also are several benefits residents of “green,” eco-friendly senior living communities enjoy.” Benefits to senior living residents can be experienced in “green” and eco-friendly communities, including reduced costs, improved health and well-being, and increased value.
Many sustainability-focused community-based efforts and environmentally friendly design approaches have made Kendal communities leaders in promoting sustainable operations for life plan communities nationwide. Kendal Affiliates have implemented various sustainable practices that minimize their environmental impact while providing residents with high-quality living conditions. These practices include sustainable building design, waste reduction programs, sustainable transportation options, energy conservation efforts, and incorporating sustainable programs into the curriculum. The Kendal System is setting an example for others to follow in making the world greener and healthier.
It is inspiring to see communities taking responsibility for their impact on the environment and working towards leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.