An anonymous Santa Barbara donor has made a gift of $1,123,750 to Covenant Living at the Samarkand to fund four projects, each of which will move the senior living community closer toward their goal of reducing carbon emissions on their campus.
Work will begin this year and is scheduled to be completed over a three-year period. The measures will reduce the Samarkand’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 10% annually and lower utility costs by more than $80,000 per year.
“The goal of reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency on this campus is a bold, multi-year initiative,” said Terri Cunliffe, president/CEO of Covenant Living Communities and Services. “We are thrilled about this very generous gift that will positively impact the Samarkand and the greater Santa Barbara community.”
The gift provides funding for four specific items benefiting Covenant Living at the Samarkand. The largest project will be the purchase and installation of solar panels on three residential buildings called The Magnolias, beginning with Magnolia North this year, followed by the other two buildings in the next two years.
Funding is also included for the purchase of a new electric bus with wheelchair access, which can be charged at an electric charging station already installed on campus.
Additionally, the donation provides for new LED light fixtures and light bulbs in a multitude of locations across the senior living community.
Finally, the gift will finance two new electric charging stations at the Santa Barbara senior living community.
“Enhancing our campus with these energy-efficient features will benefit current residents, as well as those who will one day call the Samarkand home,” said Diane Dale, director of philanthropy. “We are deeply grateful to this inspiring donor, who has made a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come.”
For more information visit www.covlivingsamarkand.org or call 877-231-6284.