Resources
SSAFE Resources🛟🌎
🛟Guides and Templates
- SSAFE Energy/GHG Audit RFP Template
- SSAFE Unit Turnover Guide
- SSAFE Portfolio Manager 101 Guide for Senior Living Communities
- SSAFE How to Choose an Audit Contractor Guide
🛟Tools and Trackers
- SSAFE Chapter Sustainability Tracker
- Managing Peak Energy Use
- Video: Peak Usage Alert Part 2 – Results Update
- Case Study: Collington Peak Energy Use Pilot
🛟Case Studies
External Resources
Senior Living and Climate Context
- How Continuing Care Retirement Communities Work
- Sustainable Design and Practices Attract Residents to this Life Plan Community
- Why Investing in Climate Action Makes Good Economic Sense
- People Who’ve Contributed Least to Climate Change Are Most Affected By It
Climate Science and Policy
- IPCC Sixth Assessment Report
- EPA’s Overview of Greenhouse Gases
- EPA’s Other Greenhouse Gases
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Climate Effects on Health
- The Climate Bathtub Simulation by Climate Interactive
Energy, Building, and Performance Frameworks
Comprehensive Frameworks
- Living Building Challenge – A regenerative design framework focused on net-zero energy, water, and materials. It is one of the most ambitious green building standards.
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – well-known, broad certification with levels from Certified to Platinum.
- ASHRAE 189.1 – covers sustainable building design for high-performance new construction.
- IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) – model code adopted in many jurisdictions.
Focused Energy Standards
- Passivhaus/PHIUS – A rigorous energy-efficiency standard emphasizing airtight construction, super‑insulation, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
- ASHRAE 90.1 – minimum efficiency standard for buildings.
- Energy Star – U.S. DOE program endorsing efficient products and some building types.
Health and Comfort Standards
- WELL Building Standard – emphasizes occupant health, including air and water quality, lighting, and comfort.
