December 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Kelly Osborn, Executive Director 207 593 1259, kosborn@bartlettwooods.com Photos attached, and others available.
26-year old Midcoast Retirement Community Launches
THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND
Efficiency Main Grant to be supplemented by community partners
(Rockland, ME) — Bartlett Woods has been approved for partial funding from Efficiency Maine to install a sophisticated, commercial next-gen heat pump HVAC system throughout the 3-story facility. This system will move Bartlett Woods into the future. Not only will the upgrade reduce costs and be easier on the environment, but it will also solve issues with the current system, which does not provide even heating to the 58 apartments and numerous common spaces within Bartlett Woods, located at 20 Bartlett Drive (off Talbot Avenue) in Rockland, ME. THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND was recently launched to raise support to match the grant funding, and generous donors and sponsors are now actively being sought.
This new system, installed by Efficiency Maine-qualified SolarLogix, LLC of Searsport, ME, will add layers of safety, comfort and affordability for residents. Compared with other heating systems, this sophisticated heat pump HVAC system is less expensive, greener, and provides heating that is more efficient. With the solar system just installed by Sundog Solar, also of Searsport, ME, and paid for by Bartlett Woods, the addition of heat pumps will move Bartlett to green innovation and sustainability. The electricity generated by the new solar panels will power the entire heat pump system. As one of the smallest not-for-profit retirement communities in Maine, Bartlett Woods strives to inspire other community organizations to improve efficiency and lower carbon footprint.
Bartlett Woods’ Executive Director, Kelly Osborn, explains: “As one of very few retirement communities in Rockland and surrounding towns for the past 26 years, Bartlett Woods is looking to the future, with a goal of ensuring sustainability for many years to come. Bartlett Woods is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for seniors in the Mid Coast area of Maine. As the cost of living continues to rise, Bartlett Woods recently invested over $400,000 in the installation of rooftop solar panels. These panels will lower carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and potentially increase property value while ensuring affordable housing for seniors. Bartlett Woods is committed to the people and the community of Rockland and the surrounding area. As the cost of living for older adults continues to rise, it is imperative that Bartlett Woods take the necessary steps to reduce the cost of providing housing. It is estimated that the green project, including both the solar panels and the heat pump installation, will reduce the cost of heating and cooling by more than 50% each year. The solar panels are expected to generate enough energy to cover the entire cost of operating the heat pumps. This reduction in energy cost will reduce the percentage of rental increases that Bartlett Woods would need to enact to cover the rising costs of living.
“U.S. News profiled 112 Assisted Living communities near Maine. Assisted living facilities, also called residential care or personal care communities, are for older adults who need help with daily activities such as medication management, personal hygiene and dressing. The median cost of assisted living in the Maine area is $8,712 a month, according to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Study. This is $3,362 a month higher than the national monthly median of $5,350.”
More about Bartlett Woods and THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND: Bartlett Woods is one of the most affordable Assisted Living/retirement communities in Maine. The monthly cost ranges from $4,159 to $6,755. The average cost to live at Bartlett Woods is well below $8,712 per month. Investment in clean, green energy is a huge step to ensure that elderly individuals in the community continue to have access to affordable living that meets their needs and provides a safe, comfortable home. The heat pump project will cost approximately $1 million; however, Bartlett Woods has been approved for $673,932 in funding from Efficiency Maine. Bartlett Woods will need to match the award with $315,968.
Bartlett Woods is currently looking for business sponsors and individual supporters to consider contributing to The Green Bartlett Fund. Sponsorship opportunities are described in full on the organizations’ website, or by calling 207-593-1259. Bartlett Woods would appreciate any level of support to improve the facilities, the lives of residents, and access to affordable living. Checks in any amount may be payable to Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, or visit the website to securely make a donation online through PayPal.
For further information, visit bartlettwoods.com, or call 207 593 1608.
About Bartlett Woods: Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, founded in 1998, is a 501(c)3 non-profit, age 55+ apartment house featuring 58 one- or two-bedroom apartments, with customizable rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn and a staff of 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine yet offers many personalized healthcare support services and lifestyle enrichments that continue to set a new standard in active adult living. In 2023, Bartlett Woods celebrated 25 years of service to the Midcoast community. Located in Rockland, ME, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1419.
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