Sustainability
granted and therefore the opportunity for major sustainably led adaptations to the proposals were reduced, here we had the chance to fully shape and mould the design of the scheme from the very beginning. As a result, we collectively made the decision that we wanted to push the boundaries for what is possible for care homes when it comes to sustainable development. At the outset we outlined ambitions to
achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ with the scheme, which would bring it in line with the very best in Oakland Care’s portfolio and among the top 10 per cent of buildings in the UK. By making this early commitment it
has helped lay out the strategy for which we could anchor our proposals around in terms of planning, design, and the eventual function of the home. Indicative of this commitment, Harpenden Springs is designed to be a net zero home that is powered by 100 per cent electricity. It will be our first home to be powered by renewable energy that does not connect to the gas infrastructure grid. To achieve this, 125 solar panels will
be installed on purpose-designed slanted roofs to generate the required power for the care home, whilst air source heat pumps – which are a renewable energy system that transfers heat from the outside air to the home – will help heat the building via an under-floor heating system. As part of the transformative plans, 12 EV charging points will also be delivered, supporting the ongoing electrification of the transport network. Meanwhile, an expansive wildlife garden area is also included in the plans to promote and support biodiversity and wildlife. Alongside these industry-leading green features the new care home will offer residents the same high-standard of care home, fully equipped accommodation, and amenities such as café bistro, hair salon, activity room, library, quiet lounges, and a multi-function central courtyard.
Making sacrifices to achieve our ambitions Achieving our bold ambitions for Harpenden Springs is no easy feat. It has, and will continue to, require us to make sacrifices and overcome challenges. Yet, we feel this is an important commitment to make and one which we hope will inspire others in our sector who are on currently embarking on their sustainability journey. Among the steepest tests has been the time commitment to applying BREEAM standards as part of the design and delivery
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Achieving our bold ambitions for Harpenden Springs is no easy feat
process. The criteria are incredibly rigorous, particularly for achieving our target rating of ‘Excellent’. This has required a constant stream of meetings with respective consultants working on the project to outline not only what is needed, but to also work through challenges and find solutions that help us meet the essential targets. Another consideration is cost. To
deliver a net zero care home such as Harpenden Springs – that takes advantage of new technologies and opportunities to incorporate sustainable elements that meet BREEAM targets – requires a greater monetary commitment than what would be required for a standard care home model – all while maintaining the same high-level characteristics that Oakland Care homes are known and loved for.
This cost factor also continues once Harpenden Springs opens in Spring 2026, when we will have to absorb the additional costs connected to the renewable energy technologies that are at the heart of the home’s function. For example, the maintenance and inspection of the solar panels and piping for the air source heat pump technology.
Many local planning authorities do drive
a level of environmental consideration through the development of a scheme but less require certifications such as BREEAM. In my experience, if this is not insisted upon by the planning authority, care home operators
and investors may be less inclined to follow through with this cost commitment. While more providers are exploring the potential of embedding sustainability at the heart of new care homes, there is an opportunity for more progress to be made. For example, at Oakland Care
we recognise that as a leading care provider addressing and taking care of environmental considerations is not only beneficial to our world but also helps to retain and build true value in our organisation. From residents and their families to team members, these issues matter. It is therefore important that we respond to these concerns for the benefit of those we care for and about. We recognise that not all may not be able to make large-scale change – particularly without further support from local authorities and national government incentive programmes – but small scale changes and approaches can be excellent for progressing a strategy.
Inspiring others
Harpenden Springs is a major milestone for Oakland Care and one I am incredibly proud of. To be delivering a landmark net zero care home – a first in the care sector – is testament to the outstanding efforts of all those we have worked alongside to get the project to this point. It demonstrates a big step forward against our environmental strategy and is further evidence our industry-leading approach to combatting the climate crisis. But it is also an opportunity to inspire others to follow our example and learn from our journey, which is a major ambition of ours. We strive to encourage others to push
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2025
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