Over the last five years, Valle Verde has created and expanded a campus-wide Green Initiative to reduce its dependence on electricity, decrease waste and improve the environment.
Valle Verde’s Green Initiative lowers energy and water consumption, and produces photovoltaic energy through solar panels on covered walkways. With the use of these solar electrical panels, Valle Verde can produce 52,000 kilowatts of electricity. With the addition of solar water heaters, high-efficiency boilers, low-flow toilets and showerheads, utility cost savings for 2009 are estimated at $210,620.
The Green Initiative also includes:
- Up to 85% of produce consumed on campus is purchased from local farms
- Built Green residence remodeling
- Reduced natural gas use
- Native and drought-tolerant landscaping
- Green waste composting
- Climate-controlled irrigation
- Reclaimed water use for landscaping
- Recycling
- Electronic health records
- Alternative transportation programs for staff and residents
- Reduced food delivery frequencies to save transportation costs
- Use of recycled paper for administration and marketing communications
Valle Verde’s Green Initiative is a campus-wide program started by community members, Valle Verde residents and nonprofit executives. This program not only reduces Valle Verde’s operating costs, it also helps the environment, improves quality of life on campus, and is appreciated by residents and staff.
Valle Verde has been recognized on a variety of levels for their green efforts, including:
- California Waste Reduction Award: 2007, 2008 and 2009
- City of Santa Barbara Solar Energy System Recognition Award and Certificate:
2007 and 2009
- AAHSA Leading-Edge Care and Services Award: 2008
- Central Coast Magazine Green Award Nominee: 2008
- Santa Barbara Green Award: 2007
Valle Verde’s approach is one that can be employed by campuses throughout the state, whether they serve seniors, school children or businesses. For more information, call 805-687-1571 or email us at info@valleverdesb.com.
