Green Generation Solutions (GreenGen), Bethesda, Md., retrofitted assisted-living facilities over several years to be greener and more energy-efficient, according to a December article in Facility Executive. Since 2013, the pilot program turned several 24/7 senior living accomodations owned by a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) into greener facilities.


GreenGen, which works to implement customized energy solutions to lower operating costs while improving sustainability, identified how to reduce greenhouse gases, water and electricity consumption, all while minimizing the impact on the residents.


After the first year with the retrofitted materials, the savings on energy and water costs were more than $20,000, a 17.3 percent reduction in utility operating costs, according to the article. These savings will lead to a net payback of 2.7 years. The final gross investment was approximately $61,000, which amounts to $636 per room.


GreenGen retrofitted the building controls; cooling tower; and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, according to the article. GreenGen also tried to reduce electricity consumption in areas where residents were not present or where the demand of the facility was less than the full capacity of the building systems.


Several retrofitting solutions were integrated into the facilities. To lower energy consumption, variable frequency drives were installed on the facilities’ condenser water loop, almost 200 faucet pressure controllers and occupancy sensors, according to the article. More than 250 fixtures and lamps were also retrofitted. LED fixtures were installed, and T12 lamps were converted to T8. Occupancy sensors were added in offices and “back-of-house” areas. Variable frequency drives were also added to the HVAC system and then integrated into the building management systems.


GreenGen analyzed base load kilowatt-hour and peak kilowatt consumption in the assisted-living facilities through their utility bills and smart meters. It determined whether the available utility rebate program could be used to maximize any return on investment. One assisted-living facility received almost $8,000 in rebates from the utility energy-efficiency rebate program, according to the article.


REIT wanted to use energy to drive value for its national real estate portfolio. GreenGen evaluated the project’s performance with submetering equipment at the load and main meter. This also allowed it to identify real-time savings from efficiency solutions. The pilot retrofitting solutions are being implemented across the assisted-living facilities owned by REIT.