About Sustainable Retirement

Sustainable Retirement is an alternative approach to retirement preparation and retirement living in the 21st century.

Recent events have shown that the traditional retirement approach is unsustainable. Traditionally, retirees relied heavily on financial investments, pensions, rising real estate prices, Social Security, Medicare and a growing economy - fueled by cheap energy - to secure their needs in retirement. This approach can no longer provide the resources needed for a 20-30 year retirement.

A new and durable approach to retirement is needed to build a secure life for ourselves as we age. Sustainable living is the key to a successful retirement in a world with limited financial, energy, government and natural resources.

Living in a sustainable way is particularly beneficial for people preparing for or living in retirement. Learning to live in a way that you can sustain over a long period of time is an essential skill for a successful retirement.

Sustainable Retirement is the approach to retirement that gives you the resources, connections, skills and community you need to live an affordable, healthful, and enjoyable retirement in the 21st century.

About Ed Brown

I am fortunate to work everyday in areas that I am passionate about – sustainable living, energy conservation and retirement.

My first exposure to sustainable living came when I read an article about solar homes in the early 1980s.

At the time, I had a busy career in the computer field working in finance and strategic planning. When time allowed, I learned more about solar homes and eventually bought one. I joined the Boston Area Solar Energy Association and was elected to the board of directors. I volunteered to help educate children and adults about solar energy and energy efficiency.

I added to my sustainable living education by reading, taking classes, participating in discussion groups and practicing sustainable living principles in my own life.

Recently, I was very fortunate to spend a year learning more about sustainable living, solar energy systems and energy efficient homes at San Juan College in New Mexico and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

My early interest in aging and retirement came from my experience with my Aunt Mary during her retirement. Her struggle with dementia had a significant impact on me and I decided to work to help seniors improve their lives in retirement.

For 20 years I worked with seniors at a real estate complex in Cambridge, MA. I was fortunate to have these friends teach me many valuable lessons about retirement and aging. In 2004, I created a business modifying the homes of seniors to help them age at home in a safe, comfortable, low-maintenance and affordable living space.

I have merged my passion, experience and education for sustainable living and retirement into this business. I share my Sustainable Retirement principles with individual clients, and larger groups through my writing, community work and public speaking.

I live in Gainesville, Florida and you can find me here reading, biking, laughing with friends, working, cooking, building something, trying to figure out how something works or outside enjoying nature.

Educational Background

Administration and Management, Graduate Certificate, Harvard University, MA, 1991
Building Technology Center Intern, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 2003
Renewable Energy Program, Certificate (11 courses), San Juan College, NM, 2003
Bachelor of Science – Economics/Finance, Bentley College, MA, 1982

Work Experience

Business Owner, Progressive Home Solutions, FL 2004-Present
Property Manger – Blair Pond Estates, Cambridge, MA 1974-1982 and 1992-2002
Finance & Strategic Planning Manager – Digital Equipment Corporation, MA 1982-1991

Professional Designations

Certified Aging In Place Specialist, National Assoc. of Home Builders, 2004-Present
Licensed Florida Energy Rater, 2004 through 2007

Contact Sustainable Retirement for more information