Where You Live Matters – Juniper Village’s Green Canopy Initiative

Earth Day is a reminder that every action we take can contribute to a healthier planet. From the products we use, to the places we call home, sustainability starts with our everyday choices. At Juniper Village at Lincoln Heights and Juniper Village at Guadalupe Riverfront, those choices are stitched into the fabric of daily life through our Green Canopy Initiative, which is setting a new standard in senior living and positioning Juniper Communities as a pioneer in sustainable senior living. Sustainability has been central to Juniper’s mission since its founding in 1988 because caring for people also means caring for their environment. That commitment has only grown stronger over the decades and has evolved into a company-wide mission that touches every part of our operations.

Sustainability - because where you live matters!

In 2001, Juniper constructed its first senior living community to LEED specifications, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, becoming one of the early adopters of these standards in the senior living sector. Juniper continues to set the standard for eco-conscious living today in all 29 of our communities spanning across five states. The Green Canopy Initiative serves as an in-depth blueprint, integrating energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental education into our daily operations.

At the heart of Juniper’s Green Canopy Initiative is a bold goal: to become the first zero-waste senior living community in 2025. We have already begun taking steps to achieve this goal by eliminating single-use plastics, adding branded recycling stations, and introducing composting programs. Energy and water conservation have also been at the forefront of this initiative, as we have upgraded to Energy Star appliances, switched to motion sensor lighting, and began using low-flow fixtures that have reduced water use by up to 50%. Changes have not only been made inside the community, but outside as well. Our outdoor spaces have been redesigned with native and low-water plants, further reducing environmental impact while enhancing the natural beauty of our community.

Beyond the buildings and systems, Juniper Communities focuses on building a culture of sustainability as well, to live up to its ethos of “doing well by doing good”. The community is actively involved in sustainability-focused education, town hall meetings, and community partnerships. Programs focused on food waste reduction have been implemented, including composting, local sourcing, and small portion options which encourage mindful consumption. These efforts create a culture where everyone plays a part in the mission, ensuring sustainability is not only Juniper’s initiative but a shared way of life.

In January 2025, Juniper Communities was honored with the inaugural Green Guardian Award by Senior Housing News for our significant achievements in environmental sustainability. This is a prestigious award which recognizes organizations that show exceptional leadership in integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. Juniper’s Green Canopy Initiative illustrates this commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community while setting the standard for sustainability in the senior living industry.

We invite you to see for yourself why where you live matters and the positive power of sustainability.

Juniper Village at Lincoln Heights is located at 855 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Juniper Village at Guadalupe Riverfront is located at 135 Plaza Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028.