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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Energy Efficiency Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote environmental sustainability and responsible energy usage within {{org_field_name}}’s home care operations. By managing energy efficiently, we contribute to reducing our environmental impact, lowering operational costs, and supporting the health and well-being of the people we support and our staff. This policy outlines our commitment to energy conservation and sets out clear practices to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable care delivery in compliance with CQC’s Good Governance requirements (Regulation 17).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone operating under or on behalf of {{org_field_name}} in the delivery of home care services. It covers all locations where we provide care, including staff working remotely and in service users’ homes, as well as the administrative functions of the organisation.

3. Related Policies

• CH04 – Good Governance Policy
• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH15 – Regulated Activities Compliance Policy
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CH19 – Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
• CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) – Service User Policy

4. Policy Statement and Responsibilities

Environmental Commitment
{{org_field_name}} is committed to embedding energy efficiency into our care practice and day-to-day operations. We recognise our responsibility to the wider environment and to future generations, and we strive to reduce our carbon footprint without compromising the quality of care provided. We will ensure that energy-saving measures are implemented consistently, and we will regularly assess their effectiveness through audits and reviews.

Energy Use in Home Care Operations
Although home care does not involve a central residential building, energy is used by:

• Office spaces (if applicable)
• Electronic care systems (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops)
• Staff travel
• Communication and digital documentation
• Equipment provided in people’s homes (e.g., medical devices, heating aids)
  Staff must be conscious of energy use in all these areas, and managers must ensure procurement and usage procedures prioritise low-energy solutions.

Efficient Use of Devices and Technology
Staff using tablets, laptops, and mobile phones for digital record-keeping and communication must:

• Charge devices only when needed and avoid overcharging
• Turn off devices when not in use or when on extended breaks
• Use power-saving modes and reduce screen brightness
• Avoid printing unless absolutely necessary
  {{org_field_name}} will ensure devices procured are energy-efficient and configured for minimal consumption.

Office and Administration Efficiency (if applicable)
Where the organisation has an office base, we will implement the following:

• Use LED or energy-efficient lighting and automatic shutoff timers
• Maintain optimal heating levels and use programmable thermostats
• Encourage a paperless environment through digital systems
• Conduct regular maintenance of appliances and equipment to ensure efficiency
• Recycle used equipment and dispose of old electronics responsibly

Supporting Service Users at Home
Where our service involves advising or supporting individuals at home, we will:

• Encourage service users to safely manage heating and lighting to balance comfort and efficiency
• Support the correct use and maintenance of electrical aids and medical equipment
• Signpost to local authority or energy grant schemes if energy affordability is a concern
• Work collaboratively with families or advocates to identify energy-related risks or opportunities for improvement

Training and Staff Awareness
All staff will receive basic training on energy awareness as part of their induction and ongoing supervision. This includes:

• Guidance on responsible equipment use
• Understanding the environmental impact of care-related travel
• Safe storage and handling of battery-powered devices
• Use of remote working platforms to reduce travel when appropriate
  Energy awareness is promoted as part of our organisational culture and supported through reminders, posters, and internal communications.

Care-Related Travel Efficiency
Travel between service users is one of the largest energy consumers in home care. We manage this by:

• Using intelligent rostering software to reduce travel time and emissions
• Encouraging car-sharing where appropriate
• Promoting the use of public transport, cycling, or walking for local visits
• Offering training in eco-driving for those using vehicles on behalf of {{org_field_name}}
  We continually review scheduling and route planning to maximise efficiency and reduce unnecessary journeys.

Monitoring and Reporting
The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring implementation of this policy. We will:

• Conduct annual audits on energy use (where applicable)
• Monitor staff travel mileage and report trends
• Include sustainability metrics in governance reports
• Review performance as part of our Good Governance monitoring under Regulation 17
  Findings are used to drive continuous improvement and update policy as necessary.

Emergency Energy Planning
As part of our Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (CH19), we ensure:

• Backup procedures are in place during power outages affecting care delivery
• Staff are aware of how to maintain communication and safe care during energy-related disruptions
• People we support who rely on powered medical devices are prioritised and safeguarded during emergencies

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to regulatory updates, changes in operational practices, or organisational restructuring. All updates will be communicated to staff and incorporated into training and compliance checks.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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