GREENPORT, N.Y., June 25, 2024 — Peconic Landing, the East End’s only life plan community, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Icon, a leading communication software provider for senior living. This collaboration underscores Peconic Landing’s commitment to sustainability by significantly reducing paper usage and embracing digital solutions.
Icon’s software will streamline communication among members, team members, and families, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper-based methods. The platform includes features such as digital newsletters, event calendars, and real-time updates, ensuring seamless and efficient communication. By implementing Icon’s cutting-edge communication platform on mobile and desktop devices, Peconic Landing is set to eliminate the use of 100,000 pieces of paper this year and expects to double that in the future.
“With this new technological initiative, we’re simultaneously making life better for our members and creating a more sustainable community,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing. “Our members have fully embraced this change which has motivated us to explore additional technologies so we may continue improving our services and making Peconic Landing a better place.”
Notably, the transition to Icon’s platform has been facilitated by dedicated Peconic Landing member volunteers who are training and teaching others within the community.
“It’s truly inspiring to see our members volunteer their time to help others navigate the new platform,” said Greg Garrett, Peconic Landing’s Chief Operating Officer and Administrator. “Their dedication to teaching and supporting each other is a testament to the strong sense of community we cherish here at Peconic Landing.”
Don Price, a Peconic Landing member and a member of the community’s Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Committee, was part of the beta testing group who provided feedback on the platform and offered valuable insights to the Icon development team prior to the launch. Price shared his enthusiasm by stating, “There are a number of members here at Peconic Landing who are passionate about conserving our resources. Icon is just one step towards our larger goals, and we look forward to seeing how we can make additional changes to conserve in the future.”
Peconic Landing’s ESG Committee plays a crucial role in guiding the community’s sustainability initiatives. This committee, composed of elected cooperative member representatives and Peconic Landing leadership, champions the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance practices. Paper, water, and energy conservation are just a few of the initiatives driven by the ESG Committee, reflecting Peconic Landing’s dedication to fostering a sustainable community.
During Peconic Landing’s expansion in 2016, the community received its most recent Platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The certification is given to construction projects that aim for sustainability by creating cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
To receive the certification, Peconic Landing demonstrated sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Low-flow faucets and shower heads were installed, equating to a 20-40 percent reduction in water usage. Energy Star washing machines and dishwashers were also incorporated in each of the new homes, with walls being triple-insulated by environmentally sound materials to regulate temperature.
Peconic Landing continues to meet or exceed LEED standards. The community utilizes drought-resistant flowers and shrubs and water-sensing sprinkler systems to keep irrigation at a minimum and goes further to protect local waters by using green cleaners and introducing guinea hens to the campus each summer as part of a pesticide reduction plan.
Syron added, “From our LEED-certified buildings to our conservation initiatives, we are dedicated to implementing practices that protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for our members and our neighbors on the beautiful North Fork that we call home.”
For more information about Peconic Landing and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.peconiclanding.org/sustainability.