Energy The result? Spiralling energy bills,


higher maintenance costs, greater risk of unexpected system failures, and a growing burden of regulatory non-compliance as decarbonisation targets tighten.


Navigating an increasingly complex landscape For operators already grappling with tight budgets, a stretched workforce, and growing regulatory demands, modernising energy infrastructure can feel like a daunting additional burden. But the cost of inaction is far greater. The Office for National Statistics


(ONS) projects that the number of people aged over 85 – those most likely to need residential care – will more than double by 2045. Without major upgrades and futureproofing, the existing care estate will simply not cope. The climate crisis is adding another layer


of consideration. Extreme weather events, whether heatwaves or winter cold snaps, place additional strain on already fragile systems. Meanwhile, the UK’s commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050 means that energy-efficient buildings will come under growing regulatory and investor scrutiny. In other words, the clock is ticking. But


this is not just a matter of cost or efficiency – it is actually about resilience. The care sector needs to ready itself to withstand future shocks, from climate-induced heatwaves to grid disruptions. In this regard, energy strategy should be considered a frontline requirement, not a luxury.


An opportunity hiding in plain sight The challenges are clear, but so too are the opportunities. If approached strategically,


Energy is often invisible until it fails


modernising energy infrastructure is a powerful opportunity to unlock value, resilience, and better care outcomes. Energy optimisation can take lots of


different forms, and many care providers have already made progress with low- hanging fruit – switching to LED lighting, installing smart metering, or adding rooftop solar panels are just a few examples. These are far from just ‘green’ initiatives – they are financially sound ones which deliver ROI quickly and deliver wider benefits such as reducing maintenance needs, enabling better procurement methods, and improving compliance with ESG and sustainability requirements; something which is increasingly significant for investors and regulators. Upgrading legacy heating systems to high- efficiency heat pumps, investing in advanced


building management systems (BMS) that intelligently control energy use, improving insulation, integrating on-site renewable generation, and deploying battery storage are all proven measures. Combined, they can deliver dramatic reductions in energy consumption and carbon footprint.


The financial benefits are real and


measurable. Lower energy bills mean more funds become available for core services, training, and staff retention – key priorities in an industry under immense workforce pressure. Maintenance costs fall as newer, more efficient systems require less reactive repair. Compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benchmarks strengthens the case for investment and makes providers more attractive to lenders and investors increasingly focused on sustainability credentials. It is important that operators resist


introducing measures that are piecemeal and disconnected from an overarching energy strategy. Rather, true transformation demands a systems approach. That said, all progress toward decarbonisation, even if small, should be celebrated.


Better buildings, better lives Critically, energy-efficient care homes do not just save money – they create healthier, more comfortable environments for residents and staff alike. Improved insulation and modern heating


and cooling systems help maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round, protecting


February 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 37


hrui - stock.adobe.com


Boykowit - stock.adobe.com


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