Vermont Business Magazine A multifaceted approach to sustainability including environmentally friendlier laundry facilities and controlling pests with beneficial insects has earned Wake Robin, nonprofit life care community in Shelburne, a prestigious environmental wellness award. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) is pleased to announce that the 2016 winner of the ICAA Innovators Green Award is the older-adult community of Wake Robin. The community received the award for its Energy Use and Consumption Plan.
The competition was open to organizations and professionals that share ICAA’s goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for older adults within seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social and environmental. An ICAA committee of judges chose the Innovators Green Award winner for excellence in making a positive difference in the lives of older adults in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.
“The commitment from board members, staff and residents makes these practices possible and ensures continued success in our efforts to conserve, preserve and sustain a healthy community,” says Krista Malaney, program coordinator at Wake Robin.
Instead of bleach in its laundry and aquatic center, the community switched to environmentally friendlier ozone as a disinfectant, deodorizer, bleaching agent and cleaning tool, helping it reduce its carbon footprint by 58,219 lbs. A hot water reduction effort saved 316,090 gallons and over $24,000 in one year alone. Over two years, staff released some 100,000 ladybugs on the gardens and landscape to reduce damage from aphids and scale bugs.
Wake Robin sources its food locally whenever possible. Food waste is commercially composted year-round, and a resident-initiated composting program sends an additional 600-plus gallons of kitchen waste to a commercial composting operation.
Using solar energy has reduced the company’s on-site energy costs by 24%, while employee ride-sharing has reduced tailpipe emissions, saved employees’ money and helped build camaraderie.
“While data support the success of the energy use and conservation plan, the real success can be summarized in five words: board, staff and resident commitment,” says Malaney.
“Education, teamwork and sharing information are at the foundation of being a green community. More than just one event or activity, the Wake Robin community works as a whole to continually impact our environment in positive ways. The result is community-wide energy use reduction, protection of natural resources and increased awareness around green living initiatives,” she states.
Says ICAA CEO and Founder Colin Milner: “Wake Robin’s holistic approach proves that saving the environment can also save dollars – and create a healthier living environment for older adults. They’ve set a tremendous example for other older-adult organizations to follow.”
As the Green Award recipient, Wake Robin will receive a crystal award of recognition at the ICAA Conference, held November 17-19 in Orlando, Florida. In addition, ICAA’s Journal on Active Aging® will publish a profile on the organization and its green initiatives in a special developer’s issue in 2017.
About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
ICAA, a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging – an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness – and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia (Canada) ministries of Health and Healthy Living and Sport. For more information visit www.icaa.cc, call 1.866.335.9777, or email [email protected]. About Wake Robin Located on 136 acres in Shelburne, Vermont, Wake Robin is a non-profit lifecare community offering the full continuum of living options for senior citizens. Ranging from 212 independent living cottages and apartments to the Linden Health Center, a five-star residential care and skilled nursing facility, Wake Robin offers the best in continuing care. Wake Robin is an active, safe, supportive community of adults. We value communication and fellowship, joy and humor. We welcome a diverse population and believe in everyone’s lifelong dignity and worth. Wake Robin’s first priority is the care and well being of every resident. To learn more, please visit www.wakerobin.com.
Source: Shelburne, VT - November 10, 2016 - Wake Robin