Earth Day 2023 technically may be over, but at Collington, a continuing care retirement / life plan community in Mitchellville, MD, it’s just getting started.
As part of a three-year sustainability plan for 2021-2023, residents recently installed three new electric vehicle charging stations on campus.
The charging stations, manufactured by ChargePoint, include the universal J1772 connector that can be used with any electric vehicle being manufactured (Teslas require an adapter that is supplied with the car). Access is provided through the ChargePoint app at a nominal rate per kilowatt hour. This project was led by resident members of the Collington Climate Action Committee and jointly funded by the Collington Foundation, Collington Resident Association, Collington Administration, a Pepco rebate program and donors.
In the age of climate change, it’s a small but necessary step to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“The installation of these EV chargers will support the residents who have invested in electric cars while providing convenience for those looking to live environmentally conscious lives on campus,” said Mike Burke, chair of Collington’s Climate Action Committee. “These charging stations will provide our community a safe way to help build a sustainable future.”
This project is among many efforts the CCRC has made to live sustainably. Among the other steps are reducing the use of petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides and installing long-lasting LED lights in the community walkways. Future projects include “electrifying” campus vehicles and tools as well as installing solar panels.
It is safe to say that this initiative received two (green) thumbs up.
“I am proud of the Collington Climate Action Committee for launching the EV charging project,” said Ann Gillespie, CEO of Collington. “This directly serves Collington’s mission to engage in practices that sustain and improve our environment and planet. I am excited to see how our community will grow as we invest in Collington as a model for sustainable living.”
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