April 24, 2023 —Earth Day is not a one-day event at Collington. For the Kendal community in Maryland near Washington, D.C., sustainability and climate action is a long-range, ongoing project.
As part of its efforts to live out Kendal’s value “to engage in practices that sustain and improve our environment,” Collington developed a three-year Sustainability Plan for 2021-2023, including more than 30 initiatives to address climate change and other environmental concerns. These initiatives have guided the work of the Collington management team and resident committees, leading most recently to the installation of three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus.
Open for use by Collington residents, employees, and visitors, the charging stations manufactured by ChargePoint include the universal J1772 connector that can be used with any electric vehicle being manufactured (Teslas require an adaptor 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, Pepco rebate program and generous donors.
“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 is not the community’s only effort to protect the environment, address climate change, and promote sustainability. Previous initiatives included reducing the use of petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides and installing long-lasting LED lights in the community walkways. The Grounds committee is currently working with Collington’s landscaper to shift from gas-powered to electric tools, and Facilities Director Shawn Bostic is exploring suitable sites for solar panels on campus. A plan to help Collington transition its own vehicle fleet to electric engines is also under discussion.
“I am proud of the Collington Climate Action Committee for launching the EV charging project,” shared Ann Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer 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.”