Twenty-five Brookdale Senior Living communities have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification, the Brentwood, TN-based company announced Wednesday. That’s an increase from the 21 that received the certification in the previous year, Brookdale said.
The government program is designed to encourage consumers, businesses and agencies to save money by using energy more efficiently. 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 certain requirements to ensure occupant comfort. To earn the certification, buildings must perform in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide.
“This achievement is a true reflection of the commitment we have to operating responsibly,” Marla Thalheimer, Brookdale’s director of sustainability, said in a statement. “By saving energy, we’re also saving money on the cost of powering our buildings.”
Brookdale said that the certifications came after the company installed more than 48,000 occupancy sensors across its communities. These sensors automatically turn off lights in common areas when they are not occupied. The company also reduced water usage by installing high efficiency water fixtures.
In its 2017 Sustainability Report, Brookdale said it reduced energy use by 2.42% in 2016 in the communities it owns or operates compared with 2015. Thalheimer said the company plans to continue to find ways to expand its sustainability initiative.
Brookdale operates 1,031 senior living communities in 46 states.
Brookdale Senior Living communities that received the Energy Star certification: Arizona
Florida
Georgia
New Mexico
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Wisconsin
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