ENERGY EFFICIENT MEASURES IN A CARE HOME SETTING Author Julie Hopkins of Ownacarehome

With the days drawing in and Winter challenges ahead care home providers are looking ahead for current and innovative trends in energy efficiency, considering capital outlay versus the cost savings

Solar Panel Installations

Solar panels continue to be used for care homes and residential use as a means of generating energy alongside upgrading heating systems as part of a refurbishment plan to future proof a care home. 

Sensor Lighting

Whether a refurbishment is due or not switching to motion sensor lighting systems is a reasonably quick energy efficient solution, with lights turning off when a room is no longer in use with the added benefit that it is contactless.

LED lighting

LED lighting is an instant energy and cost reducer, producing less heat and kinder to the environment.

Energy Efficient Boiler

The UK government is planning to eventually substitute natural gas with hydrogen gas with the environment in mind in addition to green energy innovation.

The next generation boilers are in development with adaption in mind with businesses starting to build into their forward planning the need for a new generation boiler or heat pump.  It is expected that new boilers will be built to include the move to hydrogen with the first blended roll out expected in 2023, but there is a way to go yet to 100% hydrogen.

With the only by-product of burning hydrogen being water (takes me back to my school chemistry days!) a blended and eventual hydrogen boiler will help a care home on its journey to lower carbon generation.

Meanwhile, boilers are being manufactured to be more energy efficient and thus care home providers are taking this into consideration as a way of making energy cost savings as part of an energy reduction strategy.

Upgrading insulation as part of an energy efficiency programme tends to be part of a refurbishment programme in a care home, in addition to upgrading to the next boiler.  Another energy and cost cutting solution to future proofing a care home.

Emissions reduction/going greener

Increasingly the public and businesses are aware of the need to be proactive in reducing carbon emissions, and care seekers and their families may take this into account when choosing a care facility.  Another reason to include green initiatives within a care home’s Business Plan.

Renewables Consultant

Having a renewables consultant review can support your care home on its path to net zero in addition to paving the way for combatting the rising cost of energy.  Visit Ownacarehome partner, Save Money CutCarbon, for the latest energy saving tips.