Energy


For many care home operators, the idea of retrofitting is a non-starter


of care providers state that utility costs are significantly straining their operational budgets. The same report also suggests that sustainable care facilities offer a healthier living environment for residents, and that investing in sustainability is “not only a necessity, but an opportunity to rethink spending and investment strategies during times of tight budgets”. Luckily, there is a growing range of


smart technologies that can significantly reduce energy costs while also supporting sustainability targets. Smart Building Management Systems


(BMS) are now widely used to automate lighting, heating, and ventilation across many sectors, and these systems can cut energy usage by up to 30 per cent. However, BMS often requires substantial upfront investment and integration with legacy systems – challenges that smaller care homes may struggle to overcome. More accessible solutions, such as smart


thermostats and sensors, enable individual areas to regulate temperature based on the presence of a member of staff or a resident. When combined with LED lighting and motion-sensor controls, these technologies are affordable and easy to deploy. At the infrastructure level, heat pumps


and solar PV systems offer major long-term savings and carbon reductions, especially for larger homes with high energy demands. However, these options also can require greater space, planning consent, and longer return periods. Meanwhile, real-time energy monitoring


tools are gaining popularity for their ability to provide detailed insight into energy usage. While they do not reduce consumption directly, they allow owners to identify inefficiencies and take swift corrective action. Ultimately, the most effective energy


solutions are those that align with a care home’s physical layout and operating model. A wider range of options is also opening


up thanks to innovation in energy storage and demand-side response. Battery storage, for instance, allows care homes to capture electricity when it is cheapest or most abundant – such as during periods of low demand or high renewable generation – and then use it later when costs rise. In practice, this means a care home


with solar panels can store excess daytime energy and deploy it in the evening, reducing reliance on the grid. Similarly, flexible energy tariffs are becoming more common, offering lower unit rates to organisations that can shift some of their usage away from peak hours. While this may sound challenging for a 24/7 operation, even small adjustments such as staggering laundry cycles or kitchen prep can lead to incremental savings without compromising care delivery. Behavioural measures are another


overlooked option. Simple staff training on switching off unused devices, monitoring thermostat settings, and reporting maintenance issues can reduce waste considerably. The ‘energy champions’ approach – appointing one or two staff


28 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com November 2025


members to lead efficiency initiatives – has already shown success in schools and hospitals and could translate well into care environments. Crucially, these measures cost almost nothing to implement, but on the down side, they do require leadership buy-in and cultural change – something that is not so easily achieved in reality.


A scientific breakthrough For our part, we have been working closely with OH4, a UK-based engineering firm behind an energy polarisation device. OH4 technology uses a programmed magnet that transmits a specific frequency through the building’s water pipes, which realigns the molecules in the water, creating extra hydrogen and oxygen bonds. This molecular realignment increases the water’s kinetic energy. Essentially, it boosts the internal movement of water molecules. When heated, this energised water


transfers heat faster and more efficiently, meaning less fuel is needed to reach the desired temperature. This breakthrough process leads to an average of 21 per cent savings on heating energy, directly lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Its key advantage is its compatibility with all types of buildings, including those where invasive energy upgrades are simply not possible. Because it works behind the scenes within existing water systems, it requires no structural changes, no drilling, no new insulation, and no visible impact on the building’s aesthetics. For larger care home chains, these savings


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