Green-er
7/12/07. For Immediate Release: Green for Grandma and Grandpa
Steve Schappert, the CEO of Connecticut Real Estate and Construction, is at it again. The Brookfield Wetlands Commission were wowwed when they saw what Schappert plans to do with his latest “green” innovation, an elderly congregate housing structure at 533 Federal Road. This building will use photo-voltaic solar panels and a geothermal heating and cooling system, just as Schappert did on his Button Factory project in New Milford. However, the newest kicker is Schappert plans to use pervious concrete pavement instead of asphalt on what he calls his “Still Brook” property, a 30 unit congregate living facility designed to allow less active seniors, those in the 80’s and above, to enjoy a rich, socially stimulating environment.
What is pervious pavement?
Pervious concrete pavement is a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support sustainable growth. By capturing stormwater and allowing it to seep into the ground, porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. This pavement technology creates more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, swales, and other stormwater management devices.
What does that mean to Brookfield?
Actually, it means a lot. Firstly, the town will be home to the first congregate facility in the state and perhaps the entire country which does not have to charge residents for gas and electric. Tenants’ costs will be fixed, a great comfort to seniors who generally operate on a fixed income. Further, because of the financial structure of the facility, elderly can purchase their units and utilize the equity in the property to pay for many of their care needs through a reverse mortgage. This provides the senior with security for his present situation and a legacy for his family and loved-ones.
Additionally, Brookfield will enjoy the position of being home to the most environmentally innovative commercial building in the state, maybe the entire country. Powered by the sun and heated by the earth, “Still Brook” will also prove gentler to the ground it sits on than any other commercial building in CT. Residents even will have solar golf carts with which to get to local shopping areas or the senior center.
Why does Schappert do it like this?
Schappert says, “Our company motto is ‘Doing well by doing good.’ It isn’t enough to simply make money. We need to change the way people treat the planet, and part of that mission involves spreading the word that you can make plenty of money and be environmentally responsible.” When asked what else he has up his sleeve, Schappert offers just a slight smile and says, “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Steve Schappert, the CEO of Connecticut Real Estate and Construction, is at it again. The Brookfield Wetlands Commission were wowwed when they saw what Schappert plans to do with his latest “green” innovation, an elderly congregate housing structure at 533 Federal Road. This building will use photo-voltaic solar panels and a geothermal heating and cooling system, just as Schappert did on his Button Factory project in New Milford. However, the newest kicker is Schappert plans to use pervious concrete pavement instead of asphalt on what he calls his “Still Brook” property, a 30 unit congregate living facility designed to allow less active seniors, those in the 80’s and above, to enjoy a rich, socially stimulating environment.
What is pervious pavement?
Pervious concrete pavement is a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support sustainable growth. By capturing stormwater and allowing it to seep into the ground, porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. This pavement technology creates more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, swales, and other stormwater management devices.
What does that mean to Brookfield?
Actually, it means a lot. Firstly, the town will be home to the first congregate facility in the state and perhaps the entire country which does not have to charge residents for gas and electric. Tenants’ costs will be fixed, a great comfort to seniors who generally operate on a fixed income. Further, because of the financial structure of the facility, elderly can purchase their units and utilize the equity in the property to pay for many of their care needs through a reverse mortgage. This provides the senior with security for his present situation and a legacy for his family and loved-ones.
Additionally, Brookfield will enjoy the position of being home to the most environmentally innovative commercial building in the state, maybe the entire country. Powered by the sun and heated by the earth, “Still Brook” will also prove gentler to the ground it sits on than any other commercial building in CT. Residents even will have solar golf carts with which to get to local shopping areas or the senior center.
Why does Schappert do it like this?
Schappert says, “Our company motto is ‘Doing well by doing good.’ It isn’t enough to simply make money. We need to change the way people treat the planet, and part of that mission involves spreading the word that you can make plenty of money and be environmentally responsible.” When asked what else he has up his sleeve, Schappert offers just a slight smile and says, “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
posted by BrookfieldCT at 3:15 PM
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