Nature, Conservation, and Sustainability
Enjoy being surrounded by nature strolling along the walking trails winding through campus. Residents also have direct access to the Cathance River Preserve and are welcome to be involved in community and educational efforts to maintain and preserve this unique natural area.
The Highlands' philosophy includes an ongoing commitment to sustainability and smart building practices, incorporating Energy Star features. In 2011 the Maine Lodge completed an exterior makeover with an added investment in solar energy.
This innovative, 21st century community continues to focus on investments that benefit the residents. New energy efficient windows, high efficiency insulation and maintenance-free green siding and matching trim will provide savings for residents today and tomorrow. The Maine Lodge interior benefits from a new, energy efficient heating and air conditioning system that will continue to keep residents cozy in the winter and comfortable all year round.
Another of our guiding principles at The Highlands is the conservation and preservation of our natural resources. To that end, the Maine Lodge will be more “green” in ways other than the color of the new siding. We are thrilled to report that the expansive roof of the Maine Lodge will now be able to capture energy from the sun with the addition of a solar water heating system.
On an average day, the system will produce:
- Over 800,000 BTUs of clean solar energy for heating domestic hot water.
- This means there will be a reduction of over 46,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide with a savings of nearly 4,000 thermal energy units of natural gas per year!
The 20-year savings-impact of The Highlands solar project is expected to be:
- 6.25 million cubic feet of natural gas
- CO2 offset: equivalent to planing 165 acres of Spruce trees
Learn more by viewing this informative Solar Road Tour, produced by ReVision Energy, featuring the highlights of our investment in sustainability for our residents today and for the future. See how the Highlands puts solar hot water at the core of their operations, saving thousands in fuel costs each year.
In addition, Cadigan Lodge already has Maine’s largest evacuated tube solar hot water system which provides domestic hot water to residents.
The Highlands Welcomes a New Team Member!
Holly Zielinski, Sales Manager
Holly is excited to join The Highlands team because of their long standing reputation for providing exceptional services and housing options for seniors as well as their support of the local community.