Sunrise’s commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated by efficient energy management in our communities. In March 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 30 Sunrise communities were the very first buildings in the senior care facilities category to earn the ENERGY STAR award. The ENERGY STAR certification signifies that these buildings perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide for energy efficiency and meet strict performance levels set by the EPA. ENERGY STAR certified commercial buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
To earn the EPA’s ENERGY STAR award, Sunrise focuses on best practices for efficiency in the areas of kitchen and laundry operations, as well as lighting and HVAC&R (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration). All of our communities have a comprehensive maintenance program in place to maintain equipment and conserve energy costs. In addition, team members recognize energy efficient best practices in their daily routines to further conserve costs and energy consumption.
Sunrise continues to improve its energy performance by making energy-conscious and cost-effective improvements to its buildings and community operations, while providing the best home for our residents. Efforts continue to add additional Sunrise communities to the list of ENERGY STAR certified buildings.
Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on certified communities’ web pages. Visit the EPA’s ENERGY STAR website for additional information on energy management in senior care facilities.