Sustainability
Taking bold steps towards a sustainable future
Ravi Sodha, director at care provider ACI Care, discusses the provider’s significant sustainability successes to date, and offers tips for other providers seeking to follow ACI’s example
At ACI Care, sustainability is more than just a goal – it is a way of life. Driven by a deep commitment to become more environmentally conscious while supporting the communities we serve across Kent and Northamptonshire we have embedded sustainability into every aspect of our operations.
With a 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions across the group since 2022, we are leading the charge in creating a greener, more sustainable future. A 10 per cent reduction in CO2
emissions is no small feat.
To put it in perspective, since 2022, we have reduced our emissions by 31.5 metric tonnes of CO2
annually. This is equivalent to taking
approximately seven cars off the road each year, or the same as planting around 3,150 trees annually. This milestone underscores ACI Care’s dedication to combating climate change and reducing its carbon footprint. Recognising the scope of this undertaking, we partnered with a sustainability platform in order to help us succeed. There are many tools out there, but they all seemed too technical and not all that easy to digest or understand. Eventually, we came across Zellar, a digital sustainability platform that simplifies the process of calculating carbon footprints, identifying opportunities for improvement, and tracking progress using a scoring format that lets us see at a glance the positive impact we are making against carbon footprint stats. The group’s sustainability score offers clear insights into our positive impact, inspiring further innovation within each care home. Seeing the impact in black and white only makes us strive harder to do
36
Our sustainability success stems from a multifaceted approach
more and achieve more sustainability goals for positive impact.
A multifaceted approach
Our sustainability success stems from a multifaceted approach that includes emissions reduction, waste management, community engagement, and enhancing biodiversity. Some of the key initiatives driving this transformation include: n Completing a water audit: By tracking water usage and identifying inefficiencies, we have significantly reduced water wastage. For example, identifying leaking taps and actioning immediate repairs has led to a noticeable reduction in water bills.
n Enhancing green spaces: We have prioritised green space development, planting native plants and herbs and fostering wildlife diversity. Care teams and those they care for are encouraged
to participate, cultivating a sense of connection with nature.
n Food waste reduction: We have implemented food waste collection and composting systems, while kitchens now plan meals with precision while maintaining nutritional quality. For residents living with dementia, serving smaller portions has proven to be more successful in appealing to individuals whilst reducing plate waste.
n Employee education and engagement: Sustainability is now a standing agenda item in staff meetings. Care teams are encouraged to share ideas, from recycling initiatives to rainwater harvesting with water butts. This culture of engagement has sparked innovation and a sense of collective responsibility.
n Business sustainability policy: we have formalised our commitment with a sustainability policy, guiding everything from procurement to operations.
Utilities represent one of the most significant costs in running a care home, largely because older people require a consistently warm environment, 24 hours
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2025
Anna -
stock.adobe.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
