During Energy Efficiency Awareness Month, PSEG Long Island honors businesses making a difference. Stuart Almer, president of Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack, shares how his not-for-profit organization serves thousands of Long Islanders with senior services while reducing its environmental footprint through energy-saving upgrades recognized by PSEG Long Island’s Business First program.
What do you love about being in this business/being an owner?
Being in senior services is very rewarding. Each day, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, whether it be helping them find the perfect retirement living option at Fountaingate Gardens or helping someone manage the challenges of health issues as they age. We not only care for the individual, but also we care for the family members and loved ones, making every day an opportunity to do good work.
How do you feel your business impacts the local community?
Gurwin Healthcare System impacts the local community in many ways. We are a large not-for-profit organization, with more than 1,200 employees in all programs across our system. We provide housing options for retirees and frail older adults, such as independent living in the new Fountaingate Gardens and assisted living in our Gurwin Assisted Living community, giving them choice in where and how they want to live. We provide home care and adult day care programs, which help members of the community age in place for longer. And we provide short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care in our two nursing and rehabilitation centers, along with a multitude of specialties, including palliative care, memory care and respiratory care.
How did PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program support you?
We have received rebates from PSEG-LI over the years for many projects focused on energy efficiency. Most recently, we have been steadily upgrading our infrastructure to improve efficiency by replacing fluorescent bulbs throughout our facilities and in our parking lots with LED fixtures. Our lighting system is programmed to reduce energy use overnight and during low-traffic hours. Boilers have been upgraded with high-efficiency motors that consume less electricity, and as we replace the HVAC systems in our buildings, we ensure they are upgraded to the highest available SEER-rated units, achieving the same cooling capacity with significantly lower energy consumption. Additionally, we have prioritized sewer treatment plant efficiencies, using technology to adjust power usage to meet processing demands. PSEG is always supportive, and we see significant savings on energy consumption from their recommendations.
What role do you think small businesses play in promoting energy efficiency within the broader community?
All businesses play a role in promoting energy efficiency within the community. Aside from the obvious cost savings in planning and operating efficiently, we are also charged with stewardship of the planet and should do our part in mitigating climate change. Recognizing businesses for these efforts may motivate others to explore ways they can help and save at the same time.
How do you feel about being a Small Business Star?
At Gurwin Healthcare System, we know how important it is to do all we can to care for our residents/clients, employees and our environment. We are pleased to be recognized by PSEG-LI for our efforts.
Visit Gurwin Healthcare System at 42 Hauppauge Road, Commack, gurwin.org or their Facebook or Instagram.
