Pennswood Village Goes Green

You know that new car smell? Whether it’s in a building or car, many people like the scent because it evokes a sense of freshness and cleanliness.

Well at Pennswood Village, they did everything they could to avoid the new car smell when renovating Barclay House, a personal care residence.  That’s because the scent isn’t exactly good for you, explained Jennifer Doone, Pennswood’s marketing and admissions director.  To be more precise, it’s "offgassing" -- the smell of chemicals and plastics airing out.

Pennswood Village, a senior living facility that’s home to more than 400 residents, recently received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its $7 million renovation of the Barclay House.  LEED (which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the national standard for green building.

From the faucets to the light fixtures, the Barclay House has numerous environmentally-conscious features. But, Doone explained, Pennswood didn’t only go for the LEED certification to help Mother Earth.  The green construction directly impacts residents’ health, she said.

“People who are living in a health care facility like this tend to be inside a lot, which means all of the environmental factors in the building become critically important to their health,” Doone said.

From the beginning, the project was carried out with a consciousness for the environment.  “In doing the construction, we tried to make everything as green as possible,” Doone said, adding that the demolished materials were recycled. 

When it came time to reconstruct, the building was made with as many recycled materials as possible.  Plus, whenever feasible, Pennswood purchased local materials to cut down on shipping.

Some of the building’s green features include: geothermal heating and cooling; daylight controls that automatically dim and brighten the lights based on the amount of available sunlight; low flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets; and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, carpets, and sealants.

It’s not the just the interior of the building that’s green. Outside, there are two parking spaces reserved for low-emitting cars, on-site bicycle storage, solar-powered trash compactors, and an environmentally-conscious storm water management plan.

“Pennswood Village is one of only two personal care residences to receive a LEED Gold rating in the state of Pennsylvania and among only 75 organizations throughout the state to receive any type of LEED Certification at all,” said David Fraser, chair of the Pennswood Village Board of Directors. “We are thrilled with this accomplishment and will continue to apply what we have learned during this renovation to additional construction projects taking place throughout our campus.”

Pennswood Village is currently renovating its Community Building, which is home to an art gallery, gift shop, café, kitchen, dining room, and library.  That project is also being done in accordance with LEED Gold standards.

Pennswood’s Barclay House is home to 37 residents who need assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, medication management, and other services. Barclay House is part of Pennswood’s continuum of care, which also encompasses residential living for those age 65 and older as well as a skilled nursing residence.