Whipple Farm Solar Project is Complete

More than 50% of OceanView’s cottages are now solar powered!

The Whipple Farm Solar Project is complete, marking an important milestone in OceanView’s Commitment to Sustainability.

Scroll down to see a gallery of images from the solar panel installation.

Our friends at ReVision Energy installed 818 solar panels across 38 cottages in the Whipple Farm neighborhood over several weeks in March and April. Their team worked hard, often in chilly and rainy early spring weather, to make quick progress in this large project.

In addition to powering these homes with clean energy, the panels will also benefit the entire community by powering communal spaces like the Whipple Farmhouse and adjacent pool and locker rooms as well as the many OceanView community areas, like the Hager Fitness Pavilion, Main Lodge Dining Room, and other hallways and stairwells. The solar panels will also power streetlights along Whipple Farm Lane and Blueberry Lane.

The new panels are estimated to produce about 343,074 KWh of electricity annually, a substantial carbon offset that is equivalent to 17,160 gallons of gasoline not burned.

This is a major leap forward in our goal of becoming a carbon neutral campus!

 

OceanView Announces First Sustainability Coordinator

OceanView at Falmouth is pleased to announce the recent hire of Hannah Crayton as OceanView’s first Sustainability Coordinator.

In this new position, Crayton will be working on expanding OceanView’s solar power infrastructure and leading the Naturalization Plan of the OceanView landscape, among other projects that align with OceanView’s commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly community.

“We are thrilled to have Hannah join the OceanView team as our first Sustainability Coordinator,” said OceanView Director of Operations, Diane Kibbin. “Hannah will play an invaluable role in expanding our current initiatives that include the use of locally-sourced foods, environmentally-friendly cleaning products, a robust recycling and compost program, and the continued expansion of our solar program.”

Originally from Winslow, Maine, Crayton graduated from Thomas College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Policy and minors in education, sustainable management, and global sustainability. Crayton is currently in the process of becoming Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified to further her expertise in sustainable building practices and solutions.

“I’m very passionate about environmental stewardship and sustainability and want to help preserve the Earth for the next generations to come.” said Crayton. “This job melds together my goals and dreams to help people and the planet!”

Friends School Expansion Aerial

OceanView Funds Friends School Solar Energy Expansion

OceanView proudly continues its partnership with the Friends School of Portland in funding the purchase of an additional 286 solar panels that have been installed atop the school’s new expansion.

Schoolhouse Cottages | green energy retirement community

OceanView Initiatives to Reduce Petroleum-Based Plastics on Campus

At OceanView, we lean heavily towards being a green energy retirement community. In every aspect of our community, we prioritize our focus on renewable resources, recycling and composting, reusable products and energy efficiency.

Solar

OceanView Epitomizes Solar-Powered Retirement Living

By Will Byers, ReVision Energy

OceanView at Falmouth harnesses New England’s abundant solar resource to attract new residents, to reduce energy costs and carbon pollution, and to provide year-round comfort in their facilities. Since 2009, they have saved more than $170,000, and eliminated over 1.4 million pounds of carbon pollution by incorporating solar into the retirement community.

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Car

Solar Electric Vehicle Charger On Campus

Continuing in line with OceanView’s Commitment to Sustainability, a new Electric Vehicle Charger has been installed on our campus, powered by solar energy. Barry Woods, Director of Electric Vehicle Innovation at ReVision Energy, says, “As we continue to see more electric vehicles come on the roads, there will be a real need to provide infrastructure to accommodate the increasing need for charging stations. Maine also has the highest usage of oil per capita than any other state, so finding energy alternatives is crucial in chipping-away at that number. Between all the solar installations and now this vehicle charger, OceanView really is ahead of the curve.” Read more

EcoMaine

OceanView Awarded Top Winner in Business Excellence

OceanView at Falmouth was named the top winner in the Business Leadership Category at the ‘eco-Excellence Awards’ held in Portland.
The ‘eco-Excellence Awards’ is an annual program organized by ‘ecomaine’ to recognize individuals, businesses and schools that demonstrate effectiveness in raising awareness, community impact, and ease of replication of their sustainability programs or initiatives. A non-profit, ‘ecomaine’ is a recycling and waste-to-energy operation serving a third of the Maine’s population.

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Lunt

Lunt Professional Building Solar Panels Operational

The latest addition to our campus’ solar panels came online last month. Placed along the roof of our Lunt Professional Building, the panels went to work right away in helping the environment. Within just the first week of operation, the panels generated 935 Kilowatt Hours!

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WGME

OceanView’s Solar Energy Featured on WCSH News Center

Yesterday, WCSH News Center’s Tory Ryden interviewed Fortunat Mueller of ReVision Energy and OceanView’s Development Project Manager, Chris Wasileski, to learn more about the benefits of being on the forefront of energy alternatives. The segment may be viewed below and complete story HERE. Read more

WCSH

WGME’s Dirigo Stories Features OceanView’s “Green” Lifestyle

WGME News Channel 13 stopped by to interview OceanView residents and staff to learn more about the benefits of a “green” retirement lifestyle! View the segment below. Read more