Sustainability


tonnes. When we consider that England’s health and care system accounts for approximately five per cent of the country’s national greenhouse gas emissions, the scale of the challenge – and the opportunity – becomes clear.


With an ageing population requiring increasingly complex care services, many care organisations will also expand their operations and, inevitably, their resource consumption. This means that there is a critical need to integrate sustainable practices within care facilities. By planning carefully and implementing a few strategic changes, this expansion does not have to harm the environment, or your bottom line. In fact, integrating sustainability into


your operations benefits the environment, enhances the quality of life for residents, and ensures the long-term viability of care homes. Add to that the cost benefits of being more sustainable, and you have a compelling reason to go green.


Optimal operations


While the environmental benefits of sustainable practices are clear, many care providers worry about the financial implications of ‘going green’. However, evidence suggests that sustainability and financial success are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often go hand in hand. The key lies in understanding that sustainability is not just about switching to eco-friendly alternatives – it is about optimising resource use and reducing waste


Care homes that embrace these changes will set a standard for excellence


across operations. Every reduction in utility consumption or waste production translates directly to cost savings. From more efficient laundry processes to streamlined cleaning protocols, sustainable practices can help care homes maintain or even improve standards while reducing operational costs. For example, installing low-flow


showerheads and tap aerators can reduce water consumption without compromising resident comfort or hygiene standards. Implementing a laundry schedule that ensures full loads and more regular cold- water usage can significantly decrease water and energy usage. Care homes can also install motion sensors for lighting in common areas and corridors, ensuring lights are only active when needed. Care homes can implement comprehensive recycling and composting systems to minimise waste. Encouraging


residents and staff to reduce, reuse, and recycle can have a significant impact. You could even get residents involved in reuse or even upcycling projects.


A balancing act Care providers face several common challenges in implementing sustainable practices. Perhaps the most significant challenge is managing the delicate balance between environmental goals and care standards. Care homes must maintain rigorous hygiene and safety standards while reducing resource consumption, which requires careful consideration of product choices and usage protocols. Financial pressures often make it challenging to justify initial investments in sustainable solutions. However, the long- term cost benefits of these investments frequently outweigh the initial expenditure. For example, we have found that


automated dosing systems for cleaning products can reduce product usage by up to 60 per cent. Switching over to e-dosing can translate into substantial savings while ensuring consistent, or even improved, standards. Using less product is, of course, also better for the environment. Another common problem is


inconsistent product usage and poor stock control, leading to waste and inefficient spending. Without standardised reporting and monitoring systems, it can become impossible for care organisations to identify areas of inefficiency or track where improvements can be made.


A case of sustainable change Minster Care Group, which has 90+ care homes across the UK, presents a good example of how care organisations can overcome some of these challenges. Using different products and varying housekeeping procedures, Minster Care


June 2025 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 23


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