Start with the Core: On-Site Fossil Fuel Uses

For many senior living communities, the single largest barrier to reaching net zero is the continued use of fossil fuels on campus. Burning natural gas, propane, heating oil, or gasoline is the most direct source of greenhouse gas emissions in your carbon footprint (Scope 1 emissions). These fuels are commonly used for heating buildings, providing hot water, running central laundries and kitchens, powering swimming pool heaters, fueling campus vehicles, and operating outdoor maintenance equipment.

The encouraging news is that these uses are measurable, visible, and actionable. Utility bills, fuel purchase records, and equipment inventories provide a clear picture of how much fossil fuel is consumed and where. The next step is to match each use with an electric alternative, then work with administration to time those replacements with budgets, equipment life cycles, and resident priorities.

Heating and Hot Water

Heating is often the largest single use of fossil fuels on campus. Many communities rely on natural gas boilers or furnaces, while some still use propane or fuel oil. Hot water for showers, laundry, and kitchens often comes from the same system. Swimming pools may be heated separately but usually with the same fuel.

• Start with the data: Utility bills and sub-metering (if available) can help break out heating from hot water. Seasonal fluctuations give additional clues.
• Plan for electrification: Heat pumps, both air-source and ground-source, are now available at scales ranging from small cottages to central plants. Heat pump water heaters and electric boilers are proven technologies that reduce emissions substantially.
• Mind the timeline: Boilers, furnaces, and water heaters have long working lives. Begin discussions with administration early, so that when replacement time comes, your community is ready to move to electric alternatives rather than reinvesting in fossil fuel equipment.

Central Laundry and Kitchens

Large-scale laundries and kitchens can be significant fossil fuel users. In many communities, hot water for laundry is one of the single biggest sources of energy consumption. Gas-fired dryers, ovens, and stoves add to the footprint.

• Laundry: Energy-efficient, electric commercial washers and heat pump dryers are increasingly available. Cold-water wash cycles with proper detergents can cut hot water use dramatically.
• Kitchens: Transitioning to electric and induction cooking not only cuts emissions but also improves indoor air quality by eliminating combustion gases from gas stoves.

Campus Vehicle Fleet

Passenger vans, shuttle buses, pickup trucks, and maintenance vehicles are often the second-largest fossil fuel use after heating. Communities typically replace vehicles every few years, which creates natural opportunities for electrification.

• Electric vehicles (EVs): While the upfront price may be higher, EVs generally have far lower lifetime operating costs due to cheaper fuel (electricity) and reduced maintenance.
• Planning ahead: Work with administration to add charging infrastructure gradually, starting with fleet parking areas, and consider placement that will also support resident and visitor EV adoption.
• Fleet transition strategy: Create a replacement plan that prioritizes high-mileage and frequently used vehicles, such as shuttles and delivery vans, for early conversion to electric models. Explore leasing options, bulk purchasing, and available state or federal incentives that can reduce upfront costs.
• Broader sustainability benefits: Vehicle electrification can also enhance community reputation, reduce noise pollution, and improve local air quality which has important co-benefits for residents and staff alike.

Lawn and Grounds Equipment

Gasoline-powered lawn equipment such as trimmers, blowers, and mowers, often seems small compared to boilers or buses, but these machines are surprisingly dirty. A single gas-powered leaf blower can produce as much smog-forming pollution in an hour as a car driving hundreds of miles.

• Electric options: Battery-powered trimmers, blowers, and mowers are now widely available. They are quieter, cleaner, and often cheaper to operate over their lifetimes.
• Easy win: Because of their low cost and quick payback, replacing lawn equipment is often one of the fastest and most visible steps a community can take toward net zero. Residents appreciate the quieter operation, and staff appreciate the reduced fumes.

Building Momentum

Eliminating on-site fossil fuel uses will not happen overnight, but every replacement counts. By beginning with straightforward, cost-effective substitutions such as grounds equipment or smaller appliances, communities can demonstrate progress, build resident enthusiasm, and make the case for larger investments like central heating plant replacements or a fully electric vehicle fleet.

• The pathway is clear: measure current use → identify electric alternatives → plan for replacements at the right time → build momentum with visible wins.