Welcome!
Welcome to the SSAFE Pathway to Net Zero!
If you’ve found yourself here, you’re more than likely retired and passionate about preserving our environment and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. If you live in a senior living community and want to help your community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050*, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’ve already been involved in efforts to make your community greener or are just starting to explore what can be done, this guide can help you along the way.
Use the menu on the left to find helpful resources and ideas. If you’re new to this journey, we recommend starting with the Introduction section, which will guide you through the basics.
From there, follow our Pathway to practical steps your community can take to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
A Little Bit About SSAFE
Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment (SSAFE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by residents of senior living communities. Senior living communities join as members and are recognized as SSAFE Chapters. Residents from chapters can then join as individual members.
SSAFE members receive email invitations to participate in online gatherings and workshops designed to exchange information, provide guidance, share best practices, document successful projects, and inspire collective action. Through these collaborations, members amplify their impact, creating a dynamic community of shared learning and innovation.
This guide is a result of that collaboration and can be used for any senior living community, not just SSAFE chapter communities. Learn more about SSAFE here.
*Why 2050?
At SSAFE, we encourage our chapters to aim for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 because this target aligns with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
According to the IPCC, in order to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, and major disruptions to ecosystems, global carbon emissions must reach net zero by around 2050. This means that any greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere must be balanced by actions that remove an equal amount, such as planting trees or using carbon-capture technology.
The IPCC’s emphasis on achieving net zero emissions was strongly influenced by the Paris Agreement—ratified by nearly every nation—which commits to limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to stay below 1.5°C. Reaching net zero by 2050 is essential to meeting that goal.
In summary, 2050 is not just an arbitrary deadline. It is the scientifically supported target needed to protect the planet for future generations.
Who This Guide is For
This guide is designed for residents, leadership, and staff of senior living communities who are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Whether you’re part of an existing sustainability committee or simply looking for ways to get started, the SSAFE Pathway offers tools and strategies to support your efforts.
While the primary audience is residents of senior living communities, including Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), this guide is also intended to inform and engage:
- Sustainability committee members looking for structure, examples, and next steps
- Community administrators and facilities staff who oversee infrastructure decisions and operations
- Board members and leadership teams responsible for long-term planning and resource allocation
- Newly formed committees or residents interested in initiating environmental action in their community
No technical background is required. This guide is meant to empower everyday people (especially older adults) who want to make a meaningful difference through thoughtful, practical steps.
How to Use This Guide
The SSAFE Pathway to Net Zero is designed to be user-friendly, whether you’re browsing out of curiosity or working on a detailed action plan. There is no single right way to use the guide. Each community will have different priorities, timelines, and resources.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Read the guide start to finish if you are new to the topic and want to understand the full context before taking action.
- Jump to a specific section using the navigation menu on the left to find information that meets your current needs or interests.
- Use the right-side links within each article to explore related content, definitions, or tools.
- Download templates or checklists where available to support planning and implementation in your own community.
- Print or save articles as PDFs using the Print link located at the upper right corner of each article. To save as a PDF, select “Save as PDF” as your printer destination when prompted.
As your community progresses, you may find yourself revisiting different sections at different times. This guide is a living resource that can grow with you, and new content may be added as practices evolve and SSAFE chapters share new insights.
