Samarkand Receives $1 Million Donation to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Anonymous Donor's Gift Will Be Used to Install Solar Panels and Purchase Electric Bus

The Samarkand retirement community received an anonymous gift of $1.1 million to be used toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including adding three sets of solar panels onto rooftops and buying an electric bus that accommodates wheelchairs. | Credit: wikicommons / Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine

Covenant Living at the Samarkand set a goal of reducing its campus greenhouse-gas emissions by about 10 percent annually earlier this year — and after accepting a gift of $1,123,750 from an anonymous donor, the senior living community is one step closer to the goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

“The goal of reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency on this campus is a bold, multi-year initiative,” said Terri Cunliffe, president and CEO of Covenant Living Communities and Services. “We are thrilled about this very generous gift that will positively impact the Samarkand and the greater Santa Barbara community.”

The donation will fund four separate projects that will do more than only reduce carbon emissions. The Samarkand also expects these efforts to lower utility costs by more than $80,000 a year.