Energy


can equate to hundreds of thousands of pounds annually, alongside a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. It is also a non-disruptive fix and can be


fitted without shutting down operations. There are no long-term downtime periods, no need for structural modifications, and no drastic changes to day-to-day energy usage routines.


Learning from hospitality This technology has already been deployed in the hospitality sector. The Headland Hotel in Newquay, a complex heritage property with significant energy demands, has saved more than £50,000 per year since adopting the solution. If a heritage hotel can achieve these


savings without disruption, so can care homes. The difference for the care sector is that energy demand is constant, 24/7. That means the potential for savings is even greater. One of the most overlooked benefits


of tackling energy costs is the potential to relieve pressure on care fees. With self- funders already facing double-digit fee increases in recent years, any opportunity to stabilise or slow future rises should be welcomed. Every pound saved on energy is a pound


that does not have to be passed on to residents and their families. In an era when affordability is becoming a growing concern, especially as life expectancy increases and families face longer stays in care. A direct comparison can also be drawn


with hospitals and universities, which have been able to adopt energy-saving technologies more aggressively due to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), access to finance, and scale. Care homes, especially smaller independents, often struggle to access the same funding or expertise. Bridging this gap through policy or targeted support could transform the sector’s ability to respond to rising costs.


A direct route to 2030 targets New technologies can help care homes move towards EPC B compliance. Rather than being paralysed by the daunting scale of traditional retrofits, homes can make meaningful progress immediately. This is not just about ticking regulatory boxes – it is about futureproofing the sector and protecting its financial health. The government’s energy and net zero


policies will play a decisive role in how care homes manage this transition. The UK has


legally binding carbon reduction targets, including achieving net zero by 2050, and interim measures such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are already affecting commercial landlords. By 2030, as OakNorth highlights, all non- domestic rented properties – including care homes – must achieve EPC B or risk becoming legally non-compliant. This policy is intended to drive decarbonisation but could prove a double-edged sword. While it encourages investment in efficiency, it also risks placing unmanageable pressure on smaller operators with limited capital. Recent initiatives like the PSDS have


channelled billions into schools, hospitals, and council buildings, but private-sector care homes have largely been excluded. Campaigners including Care England continue to argue that extending such funding to independent providers would help secure long-term sustainability and prevent closures. Without such support, there is a risk that only the largest chains will be able to comply, further consolidating the sector and reducing choice for families. Energy price volatility is another


challenge shaped by government policy. While short-term relief schemes have shielded care homes from the worst of the 2022–23 price spikes, most of these supports have now been scaled back. This leaves operators once again exposed to market fluctuations, making efficiency gains even more critical. Policy certainty – whether through subsidies, tax breaks, or clearer regulation – could help homes plan and invest with confidence. On a more positive note, the government


has introduced incentives for renewable generation and battery storage, including tax reliefs and grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Although not designed specifically for care homes, these schemes can still be accessed by operators willing to make the leap to heat pumps or solar energy. Local councils are also beginning to offer area-based retrofit programmes, which may provide smaller homes with new opportunities for funding and technical support. Ultimately, whether government policy


helps or hinders care homes depends on how inclusive it becomes. If sustainability support continues to favour public institutions and large corporations, many care homes will be left struggling. If, however, dedicated support is extended to the sector, care homes could become leaders in demonstrating how energy efficiency


improves not only finances but also resident wellbeing. At a time when many homes are at risk


of closure, and when operators are under pressure from regulators, investors, and families alike, being able to demonstrate a credible path to sustainability is essential. The care sector is at a crossroads with


rising costs, rising fees, and rising regulatory demands creating an unsustainable situation for operators and families alike. Energy bills, once a background concern, are now a frontline issue. But by harnessing science to deliver immediate, non-invasive savings, the sector can ease financial strain, protect resident comfort, and work towards sustainability targets. For care home operators, the choice is


to continue absorbing ever-higher energy bills and passing costs on to families, or embrace new approaches that cut waste and strengthen resilience. For residents and their loved ones, the difference could be measured not just in pounds saved, but in the peace of mind that quality care remains affordable.n


Harry Davis


Harry Davis is a co-owner and managing director of Eden Energy Partners, a company focused on smarter heating and cooling solutions. As a director of the company, he plays a leading role in the strategic vision, operations, and growth of the business, aiming to deliver sustainable and efficient energy systems to commercial and residential clients. Harry is passionate about driving innovation in energy technology and reducing carbon footprints by promoting responsible energy use, while remaining ‘hands on’ and results driven.


November 2025 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 29


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