Certifiably Green

general contractor Massachusetts

Providers throughout the country continue to implement initiatives that make their communities healthier and more environmentally friendly places for residents and staff. From energy-efficient appliances and lighting to environmentally friendly air ventilation systems and native landscaping, providers are keeping pace with what has become a central point of corporate responsibility and consumer preference-so much so, that green initiatives are fast becoming a new norm of operational excellence.

There's one green milestone, however, that senior living has yet to reach, and that is official building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Since the USGBC rolled out its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program nine years ago, more than 2,300 general contractor Massachusetts  projects-including commercial properties, government facilities, and educational buildings-have become LEED-certified. Now, Chicago-based Pathway Senior Living may soon become the first LEED-certified provider for a community it recently opened-Victory Centre of South Chicago.

The 112-unit community, developed in partnership with the not-for-profit Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, was designed by architectural firm Harley Ellis Devereaux with the goal of achieving LEED Silver certification. (general contractor Massachusetts : Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, and each level is based on a points system.)

"We've always had an interest in energy efficiency," says Robert Helle, a principal at Pathway Senior Living. "We pay all of the utility costs at our assisted living communities, so there has always been an economic incentive for us to invest in communities that are as efficient as possible."

That history has helped the provider on its path toward LEED certification, as has Helle's status as a "LEED-accredited professional"-a designation the USGBC gives to those who have "demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED rating system." More than 80,000 people have earned the credential since the program debuted in 2001. Pathway has also eased its way toward certification by working with LEED-certified architects (LEED APs) on the Harley Ellis Devereaux staff.

Working with LEED APs is a simple but important strategy for providers interested in pursuing LEED certification, says Ashley Katz, USGBC manager of communications. Not only does a LEED AP on your project team earn you a point toward certification (26 points are needed for certification), but "because they are building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the certification process, they can make the whole process seamless."

Another tip for providers pursuing LEED certification, Katz says: Register your project as soon as possible so you can receive additional resources that will help with the certification process. "Once registered, project teams receive information, tools, and communication that will help guide them through the certification process."

There are many providers, however, that are still in the planning stages of embarking on such initiatives, in which case it's important to look at the big green picture before committing to a comprehensive plan and specific strategies. Especially in a challenging economy, smart providers will examine the pros and cons and determine whether the return on investment aligns with company goals.





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