Following is the sixth in a series of six personal stories, complied by the Community Environmental Council of Santa Barbara, CA, and presented here at Ecology-Today in the hope of inspiring your own resolutions for a more eco-friendly New Year.

Senior Cottages Get a Makeover

With energy costs in the neighborhood of $29,000/year and an annual budget that relies largely on monthly rent from seniors on fixed incomes, Laguna Cottages for Seniors’ Board of Directors instructed Executive Director Beebe Longstreet to reduce energy use.

Beebe had already incorporated basic energy efficient lighting into the cottages when she approached CEC for help in going further. After several site visits and interviews, CEC referred Beebe to a company that specializes in on-demand water heaters. Laguna Cottages piloted this energy efficient technology in one unit, and then received approval from its Board to install the new water heaters in 36 other units and 2 laundry rooms — with the cost partially offset by a rebate of $320 each from The Gas Company. (An added benefit is that the new smaller water heaters will be located outside of the units, freeing up room inside and allowing for more counter and cabinet space in the kitchen.)

In addition, Laguna Cottages added an 11-unit structure nearly four years ago, and integrated solar hot water into this building and many green features. Laguna Cottages also upgraded its four washing machines and dryers to high efficiency Energy Star appliances and installed Solatubes in the current remodels.

Check out the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures below. The change in available space with a tankless water heater is undeniable!


Republished with permission of the Community Environmental Council Santa Barbara.