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Sustainability


Sustainability: so much more than good housekeeping


While climate change has been identified as the century’s most pressing health threat, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity to redefine the social care environment. For care providers, this means rethinking all operations from the ground up, as Anthony Mann, business development manager at Acticare, explains


Over the past few years, sustainability has become an increasingly important focus area for the care sector. Between climate change, population growth, and the government’s 2050 net zero commitment, care organisations have had to start looking for ways to meet the growing demand for sophisticated care while addressing urgent environmental responsibilities. Against a background where costs


keep going up, staffing is a challenge, and growing social and economic pressures are a constant concern, it is easy to believe that there are higher priorities than investment in sustainability. However, the opposite is true. Sustainability in care homes is not just an environmental imperative but a pathway to enhanced health, economic savings, and regulatory compliance. By adopting sustainable practices, your care home can significantly reduce its environmental impact while improving the quality of life for residents.


Why sustainability matters Care homes, like other large facilities, consume substantial amounts of energy and resources. Implementing sustainable practices can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your home, helping move towards net zero targets. Collectively this can help counter the effects of climate change. Sustainable practices can improve indoor air quality, reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, and promote healthier living environments. This is great for staff but particularly important for the elderly and vulnerable, who are often more susceptible to health issues. Energy-efficient systems and sustainable resource management can lead to considerable cost savings. You can do this without compromising standards. Concentrates of industrial cleaning


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products and products with reduced packaging, for example, are just as effective. Plus, any savings could be redirected to improve care facilities for residents.


Committing to sustainability Of course, sustainability is also becoming increasingly important from a regulatory point of view. The government has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. Care homes that adopt sustainable practices are more likely to meet these regulatory requirements and avoid potential penalties. The CQC plans to incorporate sustainability practices into its inspection framework. Its quality statement on environmental sustainability emphasises the importance of understanding and


Sustainable resource management can lead to considerable cost savings


reducing negative environmental impacts while supporting others in doing the same. This regulatory shift coincides with


growing consumer awareness. Today’s care home residents and their families increasingly factor environmental responsibility into their choice of care provider. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance a care home’s reputation and foster greater community support. It shows that the care home is forward-thinking and dedicated to the wellbeing of both its residents and the planet. For care organisations, sustainability is not just an ethical imperative – it is becoming a business necessity.


Meeting the challenge


The numbers tell a compelling story. The UK’s 16,726 care homes, providing essential services to over 441,000 people, represent a significant environmental footprint. According to estimates, the average care home’s annual carbon impact is around 100


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2025


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