As the “Boomers” explore housing options in retirement, one of the key features being considered is environmental sustainability for a healthier environment overall. Some of these individuals were among the first to celebrate Earth Day, so when it comes to choosing where they want to spend their days in retirement, they have not left their Birkenstocks at the door. Being “green” is among the features that are trending in new design and construction, because they are in high demand.
AARP’s Sustainability Manager, Pam Evans, recently stated that, according to the American Lung Association, nearly half of all Americans still live in areas with unhealthy levels of smog, which lead to more upper respiratory illness. As health concerns increase, so too do the expectations imposed on healthcare and senior living communities, where a healthy environment is in demand.
Mather LifeWays newest continuing care retirement community, The Mather, in Evanston, Illinois, put sustainability on the map for this demographic when it recently earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which establishes criteria for the construction of sustainable buildings.