Meadow Ridge Resident Shares Solar Success in National Climate Webinar
On March 18, Meadow Ridge resident Susan Auslander, 92, represented our community in a climate crisis webinar hosted by the National Continuing Care Residents Association (NaCCRA), a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights, interests and quality of life of residents in continuing care retirement communities.
How One Resident Helped Drive Meaningful Change
Susan shared the story of Meadow Ridge’s large-scale solar initiative, which she helped champion. Installation began in 2023 and includes more than 1,300 solar panels designed to generate approximately 20 percent of our daily energy needs.
The project includes solar-covered carports for resident and associate parking areas, along with a newly constructed roof that supports rooftop panels. Over the next 25 years, the initiative is projected to result in approximately $5 million in savings.
A Community That Supports Resident-Led Ideas
At Meadow Ridge, resident engagement plays an important role in shaping community life. Home to more than 400 residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care neighborhoods, plus a 62-bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing neighborhood, our community encourages innovation, collaboration and active participation.
Susan’s involvement in the webinar reflects our continued commitment to sustainability and to elevating resident voices that help move our community forward.
Bringing Meadow Ridge to a National Audience
Streamed on YouTube, the webinar brought together residents from Life Plan Communities across the country to discuss environmental stewardship and climate action. Susan joined fellow panelists from Colorado and Virginia for the discussion, which was hosted by global climate policy expert and former Union of Concerned Scientists Director Alden Meyer.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
“As a resident, I saw our community’s electric bill reach nearly $1 million annually and knew we could do better,” said Auslander. “By bringing residents, management and ownership together, we were able to make solar a reality. It is incredibly meaningful to be part of something that will leave a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.”
The Solar Initiative’s Environmental Impact
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Meadow Ridge’s solar initiative offsets approximately 585 metric tons of carbon annually. That is equivalent to the annual emissions of a gas-powered car traveling nearly 1.5 million miles, the energy use of 78 homes or charging more than 47 million cell phones.
Susan’s involvement underscores the meaningful role residents play in shaping the future of Meadow Ridge and demonstrates how collaboration and initiative can drive impactful change.
“To see one of our residents contribute to a national conversation around sustainability is truly inspiring,” said Chris Barstein, Executive Director of Meadow Ridge. “Susan’s leadership reflects the spirit of Meadow Ridge and the powerful impact of resident-driven initiatives.”