(Environmental Sustainability Policy)
1. Scope
1.1 Purpose
This Green Plan establishes ‘s framework for environmental sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, protecting biodiversity, and operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The plan sets out our approach to meeting legal environmental obligations, contributing to national net zero targets, and embedding sustainable practices throughout our domiciliary care operations. It recognises that healthcare and social care have environmental responsibilities alongside their duty of care to service users.
1.2 Environmental Challenge in Healthcare
The healthcare and social care sector contributes approximately 4-5% of UK carbon emissions. Climate change poses direct risks to health through extreme weather events, heat-related illness, air pollution, and infectious disease spread. As a care provider, we have dual responsibility to reduce our environmental impact whilst adapting services to protect vulnerable service users from climate-related health risks. This Green Plan demonstrates how will play its part in addressing the climate emergency.
1.3 Application
This Green Plan applies to all operations of including office premises, care delivery activities, transport and travel, procurement and supply chain, waste management, and energy consumption. It applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, and partner organisations working on our behalf. The plan covers environmental impacts within our direct control (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) and those in our supply chain and service delivery (Scope 3 emissions).
1.4 Environmental Priorities
Our Green Plan addresses the following environmental priorities:
Carbon reduction and achieving net zero emissions
Sustainable transport and travel reduction
Energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption
Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
Sustainable procurement and supply chain management
Water conservation and pollution prevention
Biodiversity protection and enhancement
Climate adaptation and resilience
Staff engagement and behaviour change
1.5 Alignment with National Frameworks
This Green Plan aligns with NHS England’s ‘Delivering a Net Zero NHS’ strategy, the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy, the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We commit to supporting the NHS target of net zero for direct emissions by 2040 and net zero including supply chain by 2045, adapted appropriately for social care sector context.
1.6 Timeframe
This Green Plan covers the period 2024-2030 with interim targets and annual action plans. The plan will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect progress, emerging climate science, and evolving best practice. Long-term ambitions extend to 2045 in alignment with net zero targets.
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
Environmental sustainability in healthcare and social care is governed by comprehensive legal and policy frameworks:
| Legislation/Framework | Environmental Requirements |
| Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) 2019 | Requires UK to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. All sectors including health and social care must contribute to this legally binding target. |
| Environmental Protection Act 1990 | Establishes duty of care for waste management. Requires proper handling, storage, and disposal of waste with documentation. Prohibits fly-tipping and illegal waste transfer. |
| Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 | Requires waste hierarchy implementation: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, disposal. Mandates segregation of recyclable waste. Establishes waste carrier registration requirements. |
| Energy Act 2011 and Energy Efficiency Regulations | Establishes framework for energy efficiency improvements. Requires minimum energy performance standards for buildings. Supports transition to low carbon energy. |
| Environment Act 2021 | Establishes environmental targets for air quality, water, biodiversity, and waste reduction. Creates Office for Environmental Protection. Requires due regard for environmental principles. |
| Clean Air Act 1993 and Air Quality Standards | Controls air pollution and emissions. Relevant for vehicle fleet management and office operations. Protects public health from poor air quality. |
| Water Resources Act 1991 and Water Industry Act 1991 | Regulates water abstraction and discharge. Requires prevention of water pollution. Establishes water efficiency requirements. |
| Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 | Requires public authorities to have regard for biodiversity conservation. Establishes duty to protect and enhance natural habitats. |
| NHS England ‘Delivering a Net Zero NHS’ (2020) | Sets ambitious net zero targets: NHS Carbon Footprint net zero by 2040, NHS Carbon Footprint Plus (inc. supply chain) net zero by 2045. Provides roadmap for health and care sector. |
| Greener NHS Programme | Supports NHS and care providers to reduce environmental impact. Provides tools, guidance, and best practice. Establishes Green Plan requirements for healthcare organisations. |
| CQC Well-Led Domain | Assesses whether organisations demonstrate corporate and social responsibility including environmental sustainability and community contribution. |
| Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 | Requires commissioners to consider economic, social, and environmental wellbeing when procuring services. Encourages sustainable procurement practices. |
3. Definitions of Key Terms
The following environmental sustainability terminology is used throughout this Green Plan:
| Term | Definition |
| Carbon Footprint | Total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an organisation, person, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). |
| Net Zero | Achieving balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from atmosphere. Requires reducing emissions to minimal levels and offsetting residual emissions through carbon removal. |
| Scope 1 Emissions | Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources including company vehicles, owned buildings’ heating systems, and on-site fuel combustion. |
| Scope 2 Emissions | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, and cooling consumed by owned or controlled buildings and operations. |
| Scope 3 Emissions | Indirect emissions from value chain including business travel in non-owned vehicles, supply chain, waste disposal, employee commuting, and procurement. |
| Carbon Offsetting | Compensating for emissions by funding equivalent carbon dioxide savings elsewhere through activities like tree planting, renewable energy projects, or carbon capture. |
| Circular Economy | Economic system aimed at eliminating waste through continual use of resources via reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. |
| Waste Hierarchy | Priority order for waste management: prevention (best), reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal (worst). Legal requirement under Waste Regulations 2011. |
| Biodiversity | Variety of life on Earth including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Essential for ecosystem services supporting human health and wellbeing. |
| Sustainable Procurement | Purchasing decisions considering environmental, social, and economic impacts alongside quality and cost. Evaluates whole-life costs and supplier sustainability credentials. |
| Climate Adaptation | Adjusting systems, processes, and infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to actual or expected climate change effects like extreme weather, flooding, and heatwaves. |
| Climate Mitigation | Actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions including energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable transport. |
| Renewable Energy | Energy from naturally replenishing sources including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and sustainable biomass. Does not deplete natural resources or produce carbon emissions. |
| Carbon Literacy | Understanding of climate change causes and impacts, and ability to take action to reduce carbon emissions in personal and professional life. |
| Green Infrastructure | Network of natural and semi-natural features including green spaces, water features, and vegetation providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. |
4. Policy Statement
4.1 Environmental Commitment
is committed to environmental sustainability and playing our part in addressing the climate emergency. We recognise that climate change threatens health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable people we care for. We commit to systematically reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste, protecting nature, and embedding sustainability throughout our operations. Environmental responsibility is integral to our mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care.
4.2 Our Environmental Vision
By 2030, will be a recognised leader in sustainable domiciliary care, demonstrating that excellent care and environmental responsibility are mutually reinforcing. We will achieve significant carbon reductions, eliminate avoidable waste, adopt renewable energy, and inspire staff, service users, and partners to embrace sustainable practices. Our vision is care that heals people and planet.
4.3 Core Principles
Our approach to environmental sustainability is guided by these principles:
Prevention: Prioritise preventing environmental harm over mitigating damage after it occurs.
Precautionary Approach: Take action to prevent environmental harm even where scientific certainty is incomplete.
Polluter Pays: Those causing environmental damage should bear costs of prevention and remediation.
Continuous Improvement: Systematically improve environmental performance through innovation and best practice adoption.
Transparency: Openly report environmental performance, challenges, and progress.
Co-benefits: Seek solutions delivering environmental, health, and financial benefits simultaneously.
Equity: Ensure environmental actions do not disadvantage vulnerable groups or exacerbate health inequalities.
Collaboration: Work with partners, suppliers, and communities to amplify environmental impact.
4.4 Net Zero Targets
commits to:
Net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct operations) by 2040
Net zero including Scope 3 emissions (supply chain and travel) by 2045
80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2032 (compared to 2024 baseline)
50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2028
Carbon footprint assessment and reporting annually
4.5 Legal Compliance
We commit to full compliance with environmental legislation including waste management regulations, energy efficiency standards, pollution prevention requirements, and biodiversity duties. Non-compliance will be treated as a serious governance issue requiring immediate remedial action.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Achieving our environmental sustainability goals requires clear roles and collective effort:
| Role | Environmental Responsibilities |
| All Staff | Minimise environmental impact in daily work. Follow waste segregation procedures. Switch off lights and equipment when not in use. Use video calls instead of travel where appropriate. Report environmental concerns or improvement ideas. Participate in sustainability initiatives. Champion environmental values with service users and colleagues. |
| Registered Manager () | Overall accountability for Green Plan delivery. Approve environmental policies and targets. Ensure adequate resources allocated to sustainability. Champion environmental sustainability at senior level. Report environmental performance to board and commissioners. Ensure legal compliance with environmental regulations. Embed sustainability in strategic planning. |
| Duty Manager | Monitor daily operational sustainability practices. Ensure staff follow environmental procedures. Coordinate waste collection and recycling. Check energy-saving measures implemented during shifts. Report environmental issues requiring attention. Brief staff on sustainability initiatives. Support staff to reduce environmental impact. Track and escalate environmental incidents. |
| Sustainability Lead/Green Champion | Lead Green Plan implementation and coordination. Calculate and report carbon footprint annually. Develop and deliver action plans for carbon reduction. Coordinate waste management and recycling programmes. Engage staff in sustainability initiatives. Monitor progress against targets. Identify innovation opportunities. Liaise with external sustainability networks. Produce environmental reports. |
| Health and Safety Officer () | Integrate environmental considerations into health and safety systems. Ensure safe waste handling and disposal. Manage environmental incidents and spills. Conduct environmental risk assessments. Ensure COSHH compliance for environmentally hazardous substances. Coordinate climate adaptation measures. |
| Fleet Manager/Transport Coordinator | Optimise travel routes to minimise mileage. Transition fleet to electric and low-emission vehicles. Ensure vehicle maintenance for fuel efficiency. Monitor and report fleet emissions. Implement eco-driving training. Explore car-sharing and public transport options. Track business mileage and fuel consumption. |
| Procurement Manager | Implement sustainable procurement standards. Evaluate supplier environmental credentials. Prioritise products with lower environmental impact. Reduce single-use items and packaging. Source local suppliers where possible. Include sustainability criteria in tenders. Monitor supply chain carbon footprint. Challenge suppliers on sustainability. |
| Facilities Manager | Manage building energy efficiency. Implement energy-saving measures (LED lighting, smart heating, insulation). Monitor utility consumption and costs. Coordinate waste contracts and recycling. Maintain grounds for biodiversity. Ensure water efficiency. Oversee renewable energy installations. Manage office environmental performance. |
| Finance Manager | Integrate sustainability into financial planning. Budget for environmental investments. Track return on investment for sustainability measures. Report environmental costs and savings. Support business case development for green initiatives. Consider carbon costs in financial decisions. |
| Training and Development Lead | Deliver sustainability training to all staff. Develop carbon literacy programmes. Include environmental awareness in induction. Create e-learning modules on sustainability. Assess staff environmental competency. Promote behaviour change for sustainability. Celebrate environmental successes. |
| Board/Senior Leadership | Provide strategic direction for environmental sustainability. Approve Green Plan and annual updates. Allocate budget and resources. Monitor progress against targets. Ensure governance oversight. Hold leadership accountable. Consider environmental risks in strategic planning. Champion sustainability culture. |
6. Carbon Reduction Strategy
6.1 Baseline Carbon Footprint
will establish baseline carbon footprint covering:
Scope 1: Company vehicles, gas heating in owned buildings
Scope 2: Purchased electricity for offices and operations
Scope 3: Business travel, staff commuting, waste disposal, procurement, supply chain
Baseline will be calculated using robust methodology aligned with Greenhouse Gas Protocol and NHS carbon footprinting guidance. Annual carbon footprint reports will track progress against baseline and targets.
6.2 Carbon Reduction Action Plan
Priority actions for carbon reduction:
Year 1-2 (2024-2026): Foundation
Complete baseline carbon footprint assessment
Switch to renewable electricity tariff (immediate 50% Scope 2 reduction)
Implement LED lighting across all premises
Optimise travel routes reducing mileage by 20%
Establish Green Champion network
Roll out carbon literacy training
Year 3-4 (2027-2028): Acceleration
Transition 50% of fleet to electric vehicles
Install smart heating controls and thermostats
Improve building insulation where feasible
Implement sustainable procurement standards
Achieve 50% reduction vs baseline
Year 5-6 (2029-2030): Transformation
Complete fleet transition to electric vehicles
Install solar panels on owned premises where viable
Achieve net zero for direct operations (Scope 1 and 2)
Engage supply chain in carbon reduction
Offset residual unavoidable emissions through verified schemes
6.3 Renewable Energy
We will transition to renewable energy through:
Switching to 100% renewable electricity tariff (certified with REGO certificates)
Installing solar photovoltaic panels on owned buildings where technically and financially viable
Exploring community renewable energy schemes
Phasing out gas heating in favour of electric heat pumps during building refurbishments
Investigating battery storage to maximise renewable energy utilisation
7. Sustainable Transport
7.1 Fleet Decarbonisation
Transport represents our largest carbon emission source. We commit to:
Transition fleet to electric vehicles by 2030 with interim targets: 25% by 2026, 50% by 2028, 100% by 2030
Install electric vehicle charging points at offices and key locations
Consider hybrid vehicles as transition where full electric not yet viable
Implement telematics to monitor driving behaviour and fuel efficiency
Replace vehicles based on whole-life cost including fuel, maintenance, and carbon
7.2 Travel Reduction and Efficiency
Reduce travel mileage through:
Route optimisation software reducing empty running and overlapping routes
Geographic clustering of service users assigned to care workers
Scheduling consecutive visits in same area
Video calls for meetings, supervision, and assessments where appropriate
Encouraging walking or cycling for short-distance visits where safe and practical
Flexible working arrangements reducing commuting
7.3 Eco-Driving Training
All staff driving for work will receive eco-driving training covering:
Smooth acceleration and braking
Appropriate gear selection
Maintaining steady speeds
Reducing idling time
Vehicle maintenance for efficiency
Journey planning to avoid congestion
Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%, cutting both emissions and costs.
8. Waste Management and Circular Economy
8.1 Waste Hierarchy Implementation
We follow the legal waste hierarchy prioritising:
Prevention: Avoid creating waste in the first place through careful procurement and process design
Reuse: Use items multiple times before disposal (reusable containers, refillable products)
Recycling: Segregate recyclable materials for processing into new products
Recovery: Energy recovery from waste that cannot be recycled
Disposal: Landfill only as absolute last resort for waste with no other option
8.2 Waste Reduction Targets
Target 50% reduction in waste to landfill by 2028
Achieve 75% recycling rate for office waste by 2026
Eliminate single-use plastics from offices by 2025
Reduce paper consumption by 60% through digitalisation by 2027
Implement reusable PPE and equipment where safe and practical
8.3 Recycling Programme
Comprehensive recycling system including:
Clearly labelled recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal
Separate food waste collection for composting where available
Electrical equipment recycling through WEEE-compliant contractor
Battery recycling stations
Secure paper shredding and recycling
Staff training on waste segregation
Monthly waste audits to monitor performance
8.4 Clinical and Healthcare Waste
Domiciliary care generates limited clinical waste compared to hospitals, but we will:
Segregate clinical waste correctly according to classification
Use licensed clinical waste contractors with environmental credentials
Minimise sharps waste through safe use and appropriate containers
Review medication waste and work with pharmacies on returns
Ensure PPE waste minimised whilst maintaining infection control standards
9. Sustainable Procurement
9.1 Procurement Principles
All purchasing decisions consider:
Whole-life cost including environmental impact, not just upfront price
Carbon footprint of products and services
Supplier environmental credentials and certifications
Local sourcing to reduce transport emissions and support local economy
Packaging minimisation and recyclability
Ethical and environmental standards in supply chain
Durability, repairability, and end-of-life disposal
9.2 Supplier Engagement
We will:
Include sustainability criteria in all tenders and contracts
Request suppliers’ carbon reduction plans and environmental policies
Prioritise suppliers with ISO 14001 environmental management certification
Challenge suppliers on packaging, transport, and product sustainability
Collaborate with suppliers on innovation for lower-impact alternatives
Monitor and report supply chain emissions (Scope 3)
Develop preferred supplier lists based on sustainability performance
9.3 Sustainable Product Choices
Prioritise products that are:
Made from recycled or renewable materials
Energy efficient (A-rated appliances, LED lighting)
Reusable rather than single-use where clinically appropriate
Certified sustainable (FSC timber, eco-labels, organic)
Low in toxic chemicals and pollutants
Designed for longevity and repair
Fully recyclable at end of life
10. Energy Efficiency
10.1 Building Energy Performance
Improve energy efficiency of owned and leased buildings through:
LED lighting replacement programme (75% more efficient than traditional lighting)
Smart heating controls with zone-based temperature management
Improved insulation (walls, roofs, pipes)
Double or triple glazing installation during refurbishments
Energy-efficient boilers and heat pumps
Draught proofing and weatherstripping
Movement-sensor lighting in low-use areas
Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems
10.2 Energy Monitoring
Track and analyse energy consumption:
Install smart meters for real-time energy monitoring
Monthly review of energy bills and consumption patterns
Benchmark against similar organisations
Identify anomalies indicating waste or equipment faults
Display energy consumption data to raise staff awareness
Set annual energy reduction targets
10.3 Staff Energy-Saving Behaviours
Encourage energy-saving practices:
Switch off lights when leaving rooms
Power down computers and equipment at end of day
Close windows when heating is on
Use natural ventilation instead of air conditioning where possible
Report energy waste (lights left on, heating problems)
Optimal thermostat settings (19-21°C in winter)
Use stairs instead of lifts for short journeys
11. Water Conservation
11.1 Water Efficiency Measures
Reduce water consumption through:
Water-efficient taps and toilets (dual-flush, low-flow)
Regular leak detection and prompt repairs
Staff awareness of water-saving behaviours
Rainwater harvesting where viable for non-potable uses
Water-efficient landscaping using native, drought-tolerant plants
Monitor water consumption and investigate unusual usage
11.2 Pollution Prevention
Protect water quality through:
Proper disposal of medications (never down sink or toilet)
Appropriate use and disposal of cleaning chemicals
Spill kits and procedures for hazardous substances
Staff training on pollution prevention
Compliance with trade effluent regulations
12. Biodiversity and Green Spaces
12.1 Biodiversity Action
Support local biodiversity through:
Wildlife-friendly landscaping at office grounds
Planting native species supporting pollinators
Bird boxes, bat boxes, and insect hotels
Reducing pesticide and herbicide use
Creating wildflower areas and hedgerows
Participating in local biodiversity initiatives
Tree planting programmes where space available
12.2 Green Spaces for Wellbeing
Recognise co-benefits of green spaces:
Staff wellbeing areas with plants and natural light
Encourage service user connection with nature where appropriate
Green prescribing linking health outcomes to nature contact
Support community gardens and green volunteering
13. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
13.1 Climate Risk Assessment
Assess and plan for climate impacts:
Extreme heat risks to vulnerable service users
Flooding risks to premises and access routes
Severe weather disrupting care delivery
Infrastructure damage from storms
Supply chain disruption from climate events
13.2 Adaptation Measures
Build resilience through:
Heatwave plans protecting vulnerable service users
Building cooling measures (shading, ventilation)
Flood risk mitigation for at-risk premises
Severe weather contingency plans for care continuity
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where applicable
Climate-resilient infrastructure investments
14. Staff Engagement and Culture Change
14.1 Green Champions Network
Establish network of Green Champions:
Volunteer champions from each team
Quarterly Green Champions meetings
Local sustainability projects and initiatives
Share ideas and celebrate successes
Connect with regional sustainability networks
14.2 Carbon Literacy Training
All staff receive carbon literacy training covering:
Climate change science and impacts
Health sector’s carbon footprint
Personal and professional carbon footprints
Actions staff can take to reduce emissions
Our Green Plan targets and progress
14.3 Behaviour Change Campaigns
Regular campaigns encouraging:
Energy awareness weeks
Waste reduction challenges
Sustainable transport weeks
Green competitions with recognition
Sustainability pledges and commitment walls
15. Monitoring and Review
15.1 Environmental Performance Indicators
Track progress through:
Total carbon emissions (tonnes CO2e) and trend
Carbon emissions per service user/hour of care
Fleet mileage and fuel consumption
Percentage of fleet that is electric/hybrid
Energy consumption (kWh) by building
Renewable energy percentage
Waste generated (kg) and recycling rate
Water consumption (litres)
Staff carbon literacy training completion
Sustainable procurement spend percentage
15.2 Annual Reporting
Publish annual sustainability report including:
Carbon footprint calculation and year-on-year comparison
Progress against Green Plan targets
Achievements and initiatives delivered
Challenges faced and lessons learned
Plans for the coming year
Financial investment and savings
Case studies and staff stories
15.3 Green Plan Review
This Green Plan is reviewed:
Annually with updated action plans
Following significant changes to operations
When national policy or targets change
Based on performance data and learning
With input from staff, service users, and stakeholders
16. Reporting Environmental Concerns
16.1 Environmental Incident Reporting
Staff must report:
Spills or pollution incidents
Significant energy or water waste
Illegal waste disposal
Environmental damage or risks
Breaches of environmental legislation
Opportunities for improvement
16.2 Suggestions and Ideas
All staff encouraged to contribute sustainability ideas through:
Green suggestion box
Team meetings
Direct contact with Sustainability Lead or Green Champions
Annual sustainability surveys
17. Related Policies and Procedures
This Green Plan should be read alongside:
Waste Management Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Risk Management Policy
Business Continuity Plan
Vehicle and Fleet Management Policy
Procurement Policy
Infection Prevention and Control Policy
Corporate Social Responsibility Statement
This Green Plan demonstrates ‘s commitment to environmental sustainability and our contribution to addressing the climate emergency whilst delivering excellent care.