Seniors For Living

Minnesota, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania. Senior living communities in these states have received the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and are setting the stage for new construction (or perhaps renovations) of the future.

Green construction, development and programming in senior living is a hot trend of late. From ALFA’s unique energy savings program, C.A.R.E., to retrofitting old, abandoned buildings, to affordable and efficient senior housing in Texas, builders and providers across the country are serious about stewardship and smart design.

Published a year ago, this article from LeadingAge.org cites the version of LEED certification most communities seek: LEED for Health Care, a special category designed with licensed assisted living and nursing homes in mind.

Joining the ranks just this week is Landis Homes, a continuing care community in southcentral Pennsylvania, who achieved a LEED Gold certification for earth-friendly “energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies,” per the press release announcing the award. High performance windows, porous paving, rainwater harvesting, and a geothermal mechanical system are among the other features that qualified the provider for the prestigious certification.