Energy Efficiency in Senior Living Facilities

Thanks to progress in medical technology, many Americans will live longer than their parents and grandparents. With an aging population that is set to grow even more as the Baby Boomers hit 65, the architecture and interior design world is becoming more concerned than ever with the need for smart, innovative design for seniors.

As you’ve probably noticed, the design world has also been transformed in recent years by environmental concerns, and now, the trends towards aging-friendly and environmentally-friendly design have combined! In addition to accessibility, senior living facilities are starting to look towards increasing sustainability and energy efficiency. According to Seniors for Living, the Environmental Protection Agency has even gotten in on the act, creating an Energy Star for Senior Care page with information on green building practices and standards that can be incorporated into senior communities.

One way to save energy is to give seniors more control of their HVAC systems, and to include energy-friendly features like ceiling fans. Adding fans might seem like a low-tech solution, but can be very effective for allowing residents to control the climate in their quarters without using excess energy.

Our architecture and interior design firm has created many senior care facilities in Massachusetts. Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home, Cohen Florence Levine Estates (in association with DiMella Shaffer), St. Mary’s Health Care Center, Jewish Geriatric Services Nursing Home, John Bertram House, and Youville Place are just a few examples.

It will be interesting to see how the design industry responds to the demands for green, accessible spaces in the years to come. At at Leslie Saul & Associates, we look forward to each new opportunity for creating innovative solutions not only for senior living facilities, but for academic, non-profit, retail, residential, financial, religious, technological, and health care spaces as well!

photo via Flickr