A Deeper Shade of Green

While today’s focus on environmental concerns may seem to be spearheaded by younger generations, older adults, like those living at Kendal at Oberlin, take it very seriously. These seniors know a thing or two about protecting resources, recycling and rationing. Some lived through, or parents were affected by, the Depression and/or World War II. They are savers, who grew up respecting the earth with all its beauty. These generations are some of the first to accept that global warming is a serious concern for our planet.

That said, the founders and the Kendal organization had an agreed concern about the use and conservation of natural resources when Kendal at Oberlin was but an unfulfilled dream. The original founders of Kendal at Oberlin were drawn to the Kendal philosophy and their ecologically sound and socially responsible building and operation of their communities. As Kendal at Oberlin was built, wetlands and woodland areas were preserved and there was sensitivity to the design and construction of the community. New residents established recycling programs; more energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling have been addressed; cooking oil is recycled for biofuel use; and often walking and biking are used as modes of transportation. It’s these values and practices that have also drawn older adults to Kendal over the past sixteen years.

An environmentally sustainable community is what residents and staff continually strive towards, and today that is even more evident as Kendal at Oberlin continues its three phase expansion and renovates existing areas. Much thoughtful planning has preceded the building of new cottages and the renovation of areas of the existing building.

Since 2006, when Phase I began, energy conservation and sustainability features are of utmost importance. Building includes minimal cottage footprints minimizing land consumption and reducing paved areas; insulation meets or exceeds the recommended thermal resistance values for this region; windows and patio doors carry “energy star” ratings; and the design of overhangs minimize solar heat gain in summer and allow heat gain and lighting in winter. Mechanical and electric systems provide natural ventilation through cross-ventilation windows; ceiling fans minimize heating and cooling costs; all water pipes are insulated and electric hot water systems have insulated tank jackets; low flow toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators are used; and fluorescent lamps are used to reduce energy consumption. In addition, wherever possible, building materials and products with recyclable content and those that are regionally manufactured are used.

Today’s and tomorrow’s Kendal at Oberlin residents look for many of the same features that the founders valued…a community that takes advantage of its site and is sensitive to the environment. Kendal at Oberlin continues to become a deeper shade of green.