The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England, has long been at the forefront of ensuring care providers deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical focus for the CQC, reflecting broader national and global priorities to address environmental challenges. For care homes, this shift toward sustainability carries significant implications.
Understanding the CQC’s Sustainability Requirements
The CQC has incorporated sustainability into its regulatory framework as part of its commitment to driving continuous improvement across the sector. While the core focus of the CQC remains on care quality and patient outcomes, sustainability now intersects with these goals, as environmentally conscious practices are seen as integral to long-term operational success and community well-being.
Key sustainability-related expectations from the CQC include:
1. Resource Efficiency: Care homes are encouraged to minimise waste, conserve energy, and optimise water usage.
2. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Providers are urged to adopt practices that reduce their environmental impact, such as switching to renewable energy sources and utilising low-carbon transportation.
3. Sustainable Procurement: The sourcing of eco-friendly materials and prioritisation of local suppliers align with sustainability goals.
4. Waste Management: Effective recycling and responsible disposal of medical and general waste are critical components.
5. Engagement and Education: Staff, residents, and visitors are encouraged to participate in and support sustainability initiatives.
Implementation
While these requirements promote a healthier planet and align with societal expectations, they also present challenges and opportunities for care homes, and the first challenge for many is knowing where to start.
Our suggested approach is to start with a Carbon Footprint, as that will encompass energy and fuel use, waste and procurement. From that, a Carbon Reduction Plan will provide the pathway and an overarching strategy for addressing all five of these key expectations.
As an example, within our Net Zero Leaders programme, we’ve engaged with a Shrewsbury based care provider that runs two residential care homes for the elderly. We’ve been through the process of measuring their carbon emissions, and producing a long term Carbon Reduction Plan, with specific, timely and quantifiable actions and targets.
One of the most insightful aspects was to compare the carbon intensity of each home, by square metre of floor area, which revealed that one performed significantly better than the other in relation to carbon emissions.
In this specific case, other elements of the Carbon Reduction Plan include:
· A long term strategy for heat provision
· Investment opportunities in solar PV
· Engaging their supply chain, particularly food suppliers
· Supporting the transition to EVs for their staff
Conclusion
Whilst this directive from the CQC is undoubtedly a new burden on the sector, it should be seen as an opportunity to:
· Fully understand how energy is used, and where consumption, and therefore cost, can be reduced.
· Fully understand the building’s fabric, and where to make the most cost effective improvements.
· Have better insight into waste generation and disposal, and how and where cost savings can be made.
· Gain insight into new and emerging technologies
· Engage owners, employees, clients and suppliers together into a common aim.
Posted 24/1/25