Named a Best of the Best Program to Spotlight, Benchmark Senior Living’s Bedford Falls-It’s a Wonderful Life program proves that going green is not only good for the environment – it’s also good for business.
ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Spotlight
When Benchmark Senior Living started building its newest community, it aimed for basic LEED certification. But by the time they added up the building’s benefits, they had achieved LEED Platinum. “It kind of evolved,” says Bob Moran, vice president of operations. Built to be energy, water, and resource efficient, as well as healthier for residents, the Bedford, New Hampshire, community is so airtight that the amount of heating and air conditioning needed is minimal.
Textiles and building materials are low-emission. Irrigation and storm-water management systems reduce the amount of water needed in landscaping. Appliances and fixtures are energy efficient.
So far, the forward-thinking building has been a draw for customers, who as a whole are becoming more environmentally conscious. “Yes, we probably spent a little more in the beginning, but over time, it will pay for itself,” says Moran. “I think it was much more about what the customer wants and what’s good for the environment, than cost-driven.”
The above best practice was recognized as an ALFA 2013 Best of the Best Program to Spotlight. Do you have a best practice, product, service or solution at your community or company that is advancing excellence in senior living? The Call for Nominations for the ALFA 2014 Best of the Best Awards will begin in November. Visit ALFA.org/bestofthebest to read more best practices
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