The Riviera Alexandria independent living community in Alexandria, Va., expected to open in spring 2026, is on course to achieve U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver certification for the project, under the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system.
Katy McKee (Credit: Chad Baumer)
Aiming to support resident well-being, improve operational costs, and differentiate itself in the marketplace, the community will integrate a variety of strategies, from energy-efficient LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures to high-performance building insulation and glazing.
Here, Katy McKee, senior project manager at Faulkner Design Group Inc. (Dallas), the interior design firm on the project, discusses project specifics and where she sees sustainable design heading next in senior living.
What drove this project to seek LEED Silver certification?
For The Riviera Alexandria, pursuing LEED Silver was more than just a certification—it reflects the team’s commitment to delivering senior living that is not just luxurious, but responsible. Some of the motivations include the well-being of residents. Seniors are especially sensitive to indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, daylight, air purity, and LEED provides a framework to ensure high standards in these areas (e.g. filtration, ventilation, natural light).
Long-term operational savings is another motivating factor. Energy efficiency, water savings, and a durable and well-insulated building envelope reduce utility and maintenance costs over time, which translates into more predictable operating budgets and potential savings. Another motivating factor was market expectation and differentiation. There’s increasing demand, especially in more urban or high-amenity communities, for sustainable features. LEED provides recognizable credibility.
Finally, in many jurisdictions including Alexandria, measurable sustainability is becoming more of a norm; also, being a responsible neighbor, reducing environmental impact, and considering climate risk are all becoming increasingly part of our design process.
Discuss some of the strategies being used to meet LEED requirements?
Several strategies are being implemented that balance sustainability with occupant well-being. Energy efficiency is prioritized using LED lighting and Energy Star-rated fixtures and appliances, while low-flow plumbing fixtures are installed to reduce water use. A high-performance building envelope, featuring good insulation and high-performance glazing, helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment and lowers overall energy demand.
Natural light is maximized through expansive windows and outdoor terraces, which also connect residents to the outdoors. Touchless technology in common areas reduces points of transmission and supports healthier shared environments. In addition, fabric specifications in furnishings do not contain PFAS chemicals.
What are some of the challenges you faced on this project?
Balancing cost versus performance, as many high-performance systems and materials cost more up front, such as better glazing, advanced HVAC, and enhanced filtration. Our solution was to conduct a life-cycle cost analysis to identify those measures with the greatest payback or those that deliver both resident health/comfort alongside efficiency.
Another challenge was coordinating across disciplines because achieving LEED certification involves more than just mechanical systems or the building envelope; it involves alignment between architecture, interiors, landscaping, MEP, and operations. Establishing clear sustainability goals from the beginning and ensuring that all teams are aligned about the sustainability goals from the start was critical.
How is the senior living sector moving to embrace new strategies and innovation in sustainable design?
The industry is moving beyond a sole focus on energy savings, water conservation, and reduced carbon dioxide. Today, we’re seeing health and wellness features, including air quality, daylighting, biophilic design, access to nature, views, and mental and social wellness, increasingly being integrated into sustainability initiatives.
Where do see sustainable senior living design in five years?
Sustainable senior living communities will evolve toward a more holistic approach that prioritizes environmental health and resident well-being along with traditional energy efficiency.
Greater emphasis will be placed on indoor air quality, daylight, and biophilic design. Smart building technologies will play a growing role with sensors and automation to optimize energy use, air quality, and comfort in real time.
Sustainability will extend beyond the building envelope by integrating walkable connections to neighborhood services, transit, and green infrastructure, as well as incorporating amenities such as local food gardens or urban farms. Stronger regulations, incentives, and building codes will continue to raise the bar, while residents and their families will increasingly expect sustainability to be a baseline feature rather than an added value.
What lessons about sustainable design can the industry learn from this project?
First, sustainability goals must be established from the earliest design phases, such as the site selection, orientation, and envelope design, because waiting until later limits options and increases costs. An integrated design team approach is also key with architecture, MEP/environmental, interiors, and operations—all working together with clear leadership and shared goals.
Health and wellness should be recognized as key drivers, because many sustainability features like enhanced air quality, daylight, and touchless technology, directly improve resident health and satisfaction. Visible green features including access to daylight, terraces, and biophilic touches, help people understand the value. Continuous performance monitoring post-occupancy is important, too.
While LEED helps during design/construction, ensuring performance after move-in is equally important. Ultimately, sustainability presents an opportunity to rethink norms, embrace innovation, and create communities that are healthier, more adaptable, and more engaging for residents.
For more on this project, read the First Look article here.
