Sodexo Helps Asbury Communities Reduce Carbon Footprint through Energy Management Program

Over 5 years, the Sodexo360 energy program will save 5,515 tons of CO2 or the emissions from 1,161 cars and 6.6 million kWh in electricity or 23,000 trees.

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Sodexo

Apr 22, 2016, 12:59 ET

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, and Asbury Communities, partners in creating exceptional lifestyle opportunities for the residents of the not-for- profit organization since 2008, are leaving "no stone unturned" when it comes to energy management at five senior-living communities across the country. In keeping with Asbury's core value of stewardship, Sodexo recently created and implemented a full-scope sustainability and energy efficiency program. Sodexo360 helped Asbury create an actionable plan to lower utility cost, green their buildings and engage residents in sustainability programming.

Sodexo Helps Asbury Communities Reduce Carbon Footprint through Energy Management Program

This process included meeting with internal stakeholders, performing an on-site energy audit, analyzing utility bills and infrastructure upgrades. Infrastructure upgrades combined with behavioral change are the key to long-term efficiency. The most impactful component of the Asbury partnership is the interactive sustainability program offered to their residents. The volunteer "Greenability" team meets monthly to discuss sustainability issues. Inspiring activism and education, these residents engage the community in the steps to energy conservation - From seminars to marketing materials, they teach their fellow residents how to maximize energy reduction in their homes.

"By encouraging new ways to think about energy, Asbury and Sodexo have reframed the senior living experience," explained Sue DaCamara, Chief Operating Office Asbury Communities. "The success of the program is anchored in Asbury's sustainability commitments, the energy management expertise delivered by Sodexo and the efforts of the residents.

Asbury was able to make a significant impact on their sustainability goals in just one year reducing consumption of electricity by nearly 12%, natural gas by about 4.5% and water by 10% in one year.

Total Consumption (Jan-Dec)
	Electric (kWh)	Natural Gas (Dth)	Water (gal)
2015 Usage	42,409,920	189,258	112,679,681
2014 Usage	48,073,114	197,977	125,313,219
% change YOY	-11.8%	-4.4%	-10.1%

Beyond the positive environmental impact, residents have and will continue to find improvement in their quality of life through:

Healthy physical environment with improved indoor air-quality and comfortable climate
Enriching educational programming and use of technology
Enhanced opportunities for social interaction and activism

Energy management has become central to life at Asbury. The resident programming encourages activism and social interaction on site. The performance of the physical environment is enhanced with improved air quality and efficient climate controls. A large interactive kiosk sits adjacent to the main dining room allowing seniors to access energy use in real time and compare utility consumption by building.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The global Fortune 500 Company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more at Sodexo Insights, visit Sodexo on Facebook and follow on Twitter @SodexoUSA

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SOURCE Sodexo