Our communities in Scottsdale—Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain® — are no strangers to fostering a lifestyle that promotes well-being, sustainability, and community. From the carefully curated spaces that enhance residents’ connection to nature to the amenities designed for active and social living, Optima® has always emphasized a holistic approach to health and happiness. That’s why the arrival of the Blue Zones Project® in Scottsdale feels like a perfect complement to the values Optima® communities hold dear.

The Blue Zones Project, inspired by National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner’s research, aims to bring the longevity and wellness secrets of the world’s healthiest communities to cities across the United States. Scottsdale became part of this transformative project in March 2022, joining a movement that leverages “The Power 9®”—a set of nine principles derived from Buettner’s findings in areas where people live the longest, healthiest lives. By embracing these principles, Scottsdale hopes to foster a vibrant environment where everyone can lead longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Here’s a look at the Power 9® and how they align with the lifestyle Optima® encourages within our Scottsdale communities:

1. Move Naturally. In Blue Zones, people incorporate physical activity naturally into their daily lives rather than relying on structured workouts. This principle emphasizes moving often and organically. Optima® communities in Scottsdale support this with lush courtyards, walking paths, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces that invite residents to take a stroll, engage with their surroundings, and make movement a natural part of their routine. Additionally, state-of-the-art fitness centers, pools, and yoga studios make it easy to stay active.

2. Purpose. Having a reason to get up in the morning adds years to one’s life. In Blue Zones, people have a clear sense of purpose, often tied to family, work, or community involvement. For Optima® residents, purpose can be found in building connections with neighbors, engaging in community activities, and participating in the vibrant cultural life Scottsdale offers. Optima®’s thoughtfully designed spaces encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging, helping residents connect to a purpose greater than themselves.

3. Down Shift. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, which is associated with every major age-related disease. People in Blue Zones have daily routines to shed that stress. Optima®’s tranquil spaces, green landscapes, and mindful architectural designs provide residents with environments that inspire relaxation. The calming presence of nature and access to peaceful areas allow residents to unwind, recharge, and practice their own forms of down-shifting.

4. 80% Rule. The 80% rule encourages stopping eating when you’re 80% full. Practicing moderation and mindful eating contributes to long-term health. Scottsdale’s participation in the Blue Zones Project promotes access to healthy, balanced meals, with local restaurants participating in the initiative. Optima® residents can also bring this principle into their own kitchens, creating nutritious meals and enjoying them mindfully in spaces designed for gathering and connection.

5. Plant Slant. In Blue Zones, people’s diets are primarily plant-based, with an emphasis on fresh, whole foods. Many of the Blue Zones-approved restaurants in Scottsdale feature plant-forward dishes, offering inspiration for those looking to incorporate more greens, beans, and vegetables into their diet. Optim® communities also make it easy to embrace a plant-forward lifestyle with nearby grocery stores and farmer’s markets that offer fresh, seasonal produce.

6. Wine @ 5. Moderation is key. People in Blue Zones often enjoy one or two glasses of wine per day with friends and family. Optima residents can embrace this principle by gathering in the community’s social spaces or dining areas, enjoying a glass of wine, and connecting with friends or neighbors. These moments of community bonding contribute to emotional wellness, which is just as vital as physical health.

7. Belong. A sense of belonging is integral to a happy life. In Blue Zones, people are part of supportive faith or community groups. Optima encourages a similar sense of belonging through its focus on community spaces, organized activities, and resident events. Scottsdale’s Blue Zones Project also fosters community involvement, inviting residents to participate in events, volunteer opportunities, and activities that strengthen local bonds.

8. Loved Ones First. In the world’s healthiest communities, family comes first. People prioritize time with their loved ones and often care for aging family members at home. Optima®’s family-friendly amenities and welcoming environment encourage multigenerational living and support family connections. The Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale promotes spending quality time with family as well, highlighting its importance to overall health and happiness.

9. Right Tribe. In Blue Zones, people surround themselves with those who share their values and support healthy behaviors. Living in an Optima® community means being part of a network of residents who value wellness, sustainability, and connection. Through events, shared spaces, and a like-minded community, residents have the opportunity to form bonds with others who support and inspire a healthy lifestyle.

Embracing the Blue Zones Vision at Optima®
The Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale is a natural extension of the values that Optima® has integrated into its communities. By focusing on wellness, connection, and sustainable living, Optima® has created spaces that allow residents to thrive and find joy in everyday moments. The Power 9®, creating a healthier and more connected Scottsdale.

As Scottsdale continues its journey to become a certified Blue Zone, Optima® residents have the unique opportunity to be part of a community that truly prioritizes well-being. Whether it’s through adopting mindful eating habits, engaging in physical activity, or nurturing meaningful relationships, the Power 9® principles provide practical ways to make life not only longer but also richer and more fulfilling.

To learn more about Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, visit their website.

At Optima®, sustainability and environmental stewardship have always been at the heart of our values. We are deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and making conscious decisions to protect the natural world. Our Arizona properties, including Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, our communities thrive amidst stunning desert landscapes, and it’s more important than ever to ensure that the land we call home is protected for generations to come. That’s why we’re proud to align with initiatives like the AppreciateAZ program.

What is the AppreciateAZ Program?
The AppreciateAZ initiative, launched by the Arizona Office of Tourism, is a call to action aimed at promoting responsible recreation and conservation of Arizona’s unique environments. Arizona is known for its breathtaking national parks, picturesque landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. From the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, these natural wonders draw millions of visitors every year. However, with increased tourism comes the need for greater responsibility in preserving these ecosystems.

AppreciateAZ encourages residents and visitors to follow seven key principles designed to help reduce environmental impact while ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the state’s stunning landscapes:

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Ensuring that visitors are informed about the area they are exploring is critical. From checking local regulations to understanding the weather, the program emphasizes preparedness for all who wish to immerse themselves in Arizona’s natural beauty.

Stick to Trails: To protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife, the program encourages hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay on designated trails. This helps minimize erosion and prevent damage to native plants and habitats.

Dispose of Waste Properly: This principle promotes a “leave no trace” mentality, ensuring that trash and waste are properly disposed of. Carrying out what you carry in is a key aspect of preserving the pristine beauty of natural areas.

Leave What You Find: In a state as biodiverse as Arizona, it’s important to leave natural and cultural resources undisturbed. Appreciate AZ encourages visitors not to remove rocks, plants, or artifacts, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the state’s wonders.

Be Careful with Fire: Fire safety is a pressing concern, particularly in the dry desert climates of Arizona. AppreciateAZ asks visitors to take precautions when dealing with campfires and to follow fire restrictions to prevent wildfires.

Respect Wildlife: Arizona is home to many unique species, from desert tortoises to mountain lions. Respecting wildlife means observing animals from a distance and ensuring that human activity does not disturb their natural behavior.

Be Kind and Respectful to Others: Arizona’s natural spaces are for everyone. Showing respect to other visitors and maintaining a positive attitude while exploring is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

Recreate Responsibly
In addition to AppreciateAZ, Arizona State Parks has developed the Recreate Responsibly guidelines, which serve as a companion initiative to ensure that people can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing their environmental footprint. Recreate Responsibly encourages practices such as picking up after pets, avoiding overcrowded areas, and respecting park hours and regulations.

The synergy between AppreciateAZ and Recreate Responsibly strengthens the movement toward sustainable tourism in Arizona. Both programs highlight the importance of individual actions in safeguarding natural resources, promoting conservation efforts, and encouraging visitors to think critically about their interactions with the environment.

How Optima® Supports Sustainability
By supporting initiatives like AppreciateAZ and Recreate Responsibly, we can further our mission to integrate sustainable practices into everyday living. Together, we can ensure that Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes remain healthy, vibrant, and accessible for generations to come.

For more information on how you can get involved in preserving Arizona’s natural beauty, visit the official Appreciate AZ website or Recreate Responsibly. Let’s continue to enjoy, appreciate, and protect the environment that makes Arizona such a special place to live.

At Optima®, our commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture drives us to stay informed about the latest advancements in the construction industry. Recently, researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a groundbreaking method for producing low-carbon concrete at scale, utilizing waste cement and electric arc furnaces from the steel industry. This innovative approach promises to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production and represents a major step forward in sustainable construction.

The key to this innovation lies in recycling old cement from demolished buildings. By heating the waste cement and reactivating its compounds, the researchers have found a way to recycle this material effectively. What makes this process even more efficient is its integration with the existing electric-powered furnaces used in steel recycling. This dual-purpose use of the furnaces not only optimizes energy consumption but also simplifies the recycling process.

Cement is the primary ingredient in concrete and is responsible for approximately 90 percent of its substantial carbon emissions. The new method developed by the Cambridge researchers tackles both major sources of these emissions: the chemical reaction that occurs when limestone is converted into cement, and the high-heat kilns traditionally powered by fossil fuels. By using electric furnaces, the process can potentially achieve zero emissions, especially if powered by renewable energy sources.

The Simple Yet Effective Process
The research team has successfully tested their method at a steel recycling facility and is now preparing for a full industrial-scale test. This upcoming test aims to produce 60 tonnes of cement in just two hours, providing crucial data on the scalability of the process. The team has also established a private company, Cambridge Electric Cement, to commercialize their product. They believe their innovation could supply about a third of the UK’s cement needs within the next decade.

The recycling process is straightforward. After a building’s demolition, the concrete is crushed, and the cement is separated from the aggregates. This used cement is then taken to a steel furnace, where it replaces lime as the flux—a cleaning agent used to remove impurities from molten metal. The cement-based flux combines with impurities to form slag, which rises to the top and can be easily separated. If this slag is cooled quickly, it transforms into high-quality Portland cement, suitable for use in new construction.

This new method offers several advantages over other low-carbon concrete solutions. It leverages existing processes, equipment, and standards, meaning it can be rapidly scaled without substantial additional costs. Additionally, the recycled cement produced through this method is expected to be as durable as traditional cement, ensuring its suitability for a wide range of construction projects.

While the development of zero-emissions cement is a significant achievement, the researchers emphasize that it is not a complete solution to concrete-related carbon emissions. Reducing the overall use of cement and concrete is also crucial. Concrete is a versatile and inexpensive material, but its overuse contributes to environmental degradation. Therefore, a holistic approach, including political will and industry-wide changes, is necessary to address the challenges posed by concrete production. The journey towards zero-emissions construction is ongoing, but with continued research, collaboration, and commitment, we can build a greener, more resilient world.

To read the full report, “Electric recycling of Portland cement at scale,” written by Dunant, C.F., Joseph, S., Prajapati, R. et al. and published in Nature on May 22, 2924, click here.

To watch a video about fabricating low-carbon concrete produced by Cambridge University, click here.

With its name inspired by the word “verdure,” meaning lush, there’s no question that we’re embracing greenery and green spaces more than ever in our latest development, Optima Verdana®. The development not only welcomes our signature vertical landscaping system to the Midwest while complementing the surrounding neighborhood with private terraces with lush landscaping, a reaching sky deck, and a nature-bridging courtyard.

Within the comfort of their homes, some Optima Verdana residents have access to private landscaped terraces. Each terrace, rich with lush and ornate greenery, delivers personal greenspaces that complement the modern architecture surrounding them. Just a short stroll from each home, residents have access to Optima Verdana’s Skydeck and Garden Lounge, which provides even more access to sunlight, fresh foliage, and a seasonal herb garden beloved by the community.

Found in the heart of the community, Optima Verdana’s 1,500-square-foot open-air courtyard provides another amazing space for residents looking to immerse themselves in nature. The extensive greenspace features 7-foot-high garden walls, an abundance of verdant trees and many tranquil seating options for those looking to spend extra time outdoors.

The highlight of Optima Verdana is the introduction of our signature vertical landscaping system to the Midwest. While Optima Lakeview® uses vertical landscaping in its indoor atrium, vertical landscaping is used throughout the entire building at Optima Verdna. Besides providing aesthetic values, the green feature is a key element of our sustainability initiatives and plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment. The system, with self-contained irrigation and drainage, provides a haven for local urban wildlife, promotes evaporative cooling, re-oxygenates the air, reduces dust and smog levels, reduces ambient noise and detains stormwater.

Like the green spaces in our other developments, Optima Verdana’s supply of greenery allows our residents to enjoy a wealth of benefits. Green areas in urban environments help provide ample space to stretch and engage around vegetation, improving cardiovascular health and relieving stress.

At Optima®, we are dedicated to harmonizing form and function by bringing the outdoors into our communities. The lush private terraces, tranquil courtyard and signature vertical landscaping at Optima Verdana welcome that outdoor experience and allow us to fashion a sanctuary of our own.

As with many books, movies, and other forms of American-focused media, you’ll often find images of a lush green lawn, situated flush against a modest home. Unfortunately, to keep these lawns green all-year-round requires a good deal of water and upkeep. And with climate change and longer droughts looming, the need for a more environmentally-effective system of water conservation has become urgent.

At Optima®, we often talk about how the architecture of a residence and the land it inhabits can ultimately affect the landscape. For us, the conversation around, “How will this new structure affect the land around us?” remains central and compelling. As with all of our Arizona properties, it has been vital to embrace different forms of landscaping in order to design and build more environmentally-viable spaces that reduce the amount of water being used in more arid climates. Enter xeriscaping as one of our go-to solutions.

Xeriscaping in the simplest of terms is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. This means xeriscaped landscapes need little or no water beyond what the natural climate provides. This way of landscaping can be traced back to the early 1980s, originating in Denver, Colorado, and has become widely popular in some areas because of its environmental and financial benefits. 

The importance of xeriscaping lies in its power to nurture vegetation that can survive with little to no water. Trees such as myrtles, and flowers such as daffodils are known as “drought-tolerant” and can thrive in dry climates, making them appropriate for a landscaping system such as xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping can reduce water usage by 50 or 75 percent. This in turn saves literally tons of water and money for any given community. Another critical component of xeriscaping is installing better and more efficient irrigation methods. One way this can be achieved is through grouping different types of plants together with similar water needs.

Today, the Optima® team is focusing on the landscaping design for Optima McDowell Mountain Village®, with a focus on water conservation and a 210,00-gallon storm water tank that will repurpose captured water for irrigation. There will be much more to share on this topic in the months ahead!