Spring Hill Senior Living Announces Corporate-wide Carbon Neutral Program
Vancouver, WA - June 5, 2007Spring Hill Senior Living, a western United States regional senior living organization, has announced the development and implementation of an environmental program for its corporation based in Vancouver, Washington and its nine communities located in Washington, Oregon and California. The goal of the program, Spring Hill Senior Living Green, is to neutralize the effect of greenhouse gas emissions so that the corporation and community activities no longer contribute to the dangers of global warming.
"We're in the business of quality of life," says Ronnie Cook, Spring Hill Chief Executive Officer. "A commitment to be carbon neutral seemed a lofty goal until we realized it is a natural extension of the work we do every day serving our residents. We understand our actions have consequences beyond our residents out into the communities in which we operate and the global community. Our goal is to be an industry leader in environmental responsibility making our Living Green efforts an integral part of daily operations and our strategic plan."
Spring Hill Senior Living Green will be implemented in phases (1) understanding what we can do and making immediate changes (2) auditing emissions and energy use and (3) conserving where feasible. The first 6 initiatives include:
- Energy management - replace incandescent bulbs, covers for thermostats, light sensors, lower thermostats by 3 degrees
- Recycling - paper, plastic, aluminum, glass
- Increase insulation
- Elimination of Styrofoam
- Use energy efficient equipment
- Tree planting and enhanced landscaping
According to Cook being carbon neutral is not just the right thing to do for the planet, it's also good business. "We know that energy conservation and materials waste reduction lower business costs freeing up dollars to put back into services and programs for our residents." "And," says Cook, "we have a very creative group of employees who I know will come up with more ways for us to make a positive environmental impact, whether it's composting to use for landscaping or selecting vendors who share our carbon neutral goals. I'm pleased that Spring Hill has embraced this important issue with Spring Hill Senior Living Green."
