Founded in 1961, Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) is a nonprofit provider of homes and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. RHF also provides assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. There are currently 171 communities in 27 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, serving more than 18,500 residents.

The Better Buildings Challenge builds upon RHF’s existing commitment under the Big Reach, an initiative by the members of Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF). SAHF’s 11 members, representing nearly 100,000 units, are each committing to reducing portfolio wide energy consumption 20% by 2020, using a 2010 baseline. The initiative focuses on integrating energy efficiency into all aspects of members’ affordable housing development and operations. RHF will use several energy savings pathways—improved operations and maintenance, resident engagement, appliance and equipment upgrades, multiple approaches to whole building retrofits, and use of renewable energy—to meet its commitment under the Better Buildings Challenge.