It seems every time the news is on, there’s another report about the climate crisis and the accelerating trends of global warming. With future generations in mind, an increasing number of retirees are choosing senior living options that reflect their environmental values.
In my book, What’s the Deal with Retirement Communities, I examine how environmental sustainability is shaping the continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community) industry and why it will be a lasting trend.
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The eco-friendly CCRC of tomorrow
As this new generation of retirees grows, demand for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-style retirement communities is likely to rise. These communities emphasize energy, space, and water efficiency, reduce waste, and prioritize environmentally responsible building materials.
We’ll also see increased adoption of sustainable features such as rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled construction materials, daylight harvesting strategies, and high-efficiency lighting. While not every developer will pursue formal LEED certification, many will integrate these green design elements to meet resident expectations and reduce operating costs.
Reducing a community’s carbon footprint will also influence site selection and planning. Walkability and access to public transportation will become more important, encouraging more CCRCs to locate in urban or mixed-use areas where residents can walk or easily reach shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. This shift not only cuts vehicle use but also promotes physical activity and social engagement among residents. The trade-off for developers is often higher land costs in built-up areas.
To engage residents in sustainability goals, future communities may offer educational programs on green living and provide regular updates on energy and water savings. Sharing month-to-month performance data helps build a shared sense of purpose and encourages resident participation, while also fostering community interaction around a common cause.
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A forward-thinking CCRC with a sustainable design
One recent example of sustainable design in practice is Willamette View in Milwaukie, Oregon, which added a green building to its 27-acre campus. North Pointe, a four-story independent living building, incorporates multiple earth-conscious features.
The building includes rooftop solar panels and planted carport roofs covered with sedums, a drought-tolerant succulent that helps manage stormwater and provide insulation. Apartments feature Energy Star appliances and energy-saving LED lighting, and interior finishes use low-VOC paints and adhesives to reduce indoor air pollutants. Timber from trees removed during construction was milled and reused in the building’s lobby, demonstrating resource-conscious thinking in material selection.
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The environmentally conscious retiree
The upcoming wave of retirees came of age during the modern environmental movement, which began in the 1960s and evolved through the sustainability and environmental justice movements of later decades. Many in this generation are mindful of the legacy they will leave to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and that concern is shifting their choices for senior living.
As a result, more retirees are factoring sustainability into their housing decisions—selecting communities that use energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and site planning that reduces environmental impact. Developers and operators of CCRCs should recognize this growing priority and incorporate sustainable design and operations into their planning to meet resident expectations and contribute to a healthier planet.