Energy Management in Domiciliary Care Policy

{{org_field_name}} will ensure that at all times it keeps the offices where staff work appropriately heated, lit and ventilated in compliance with the Workplace (Health and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

In addition to providing adequate heating, lighting and ventilation for its staff, the organisation is also aware of its environmental responsibilities and is committed to the responsible management of energy and water. Thus it will ensure that energy use is managed in a cost effective and efficient way.

For staff working in service users’ homes, the organisation recognises that community care providers are not responsible for the energy use of service users. However, the organisation recognises that care staff may be involved in giving support to ensure that service users are able to keep their homes warm, especially in the winter months.

Procedure

This policy statement will be implemented through the following measures.

Responsibility

The overall responsibility for energy use lies with the manager of the service.

Energy selection and purchase

Energy purchase is currently undertaken by _______________ who has the responsibility of negotiating with utility providers and checking invoices monthly against meter readings for gas, electricity and water. Energy will be purchased only from sustainable providers.

Energy-efficiency policy and action plan

The responsible person will complete and maintain an energy use action plan which will be communicated to all staff working in its offices. The plan will set targets for energy consumption and will seek to make year-on-year efficiency savings which will be reinvested in energy-efficiency projects.

Where available, grants will be sought to improve energy efficiency. The policy and action plan will be supported by an annual energy survey which will examine current energy use and identify areas where savings can be made.

A checklist of good practice in energy saving will be distributed to staff and incorporated in induction and training programmes. Suggestions regarding energy conservation will be welcomed.

Performance

Heating levels will be maintained at levels which keep building occupants comfortable and warm and which are responsive to their individual needs. Under no circumstances will heating levels be reduced merely to cut costs.

A thermometer will be provided to measure the temperature in each area. Records will be kept for monitoring purposes.

Where required, temperatures will take into account the needs of disabled staff who may have limited mobility and will therefore require higher room temperatures.

Full use will be made of natural lighting whenever possible. Artificial lights will be turned off when it is safe to do so but not if this reduces illumination below acceptable standards or causes a safety issue.

Old, inefficient light fittings will be replaced with modern, more effective units and with low-energy bulbs wherever possible.

Energy information

Electricity, gas and water meters will be read weekly and closely monitored against expected usage. Abnormal consumption will be investigated and corrective action taken. Each year realistic energy reduction targets will be set and monitored regularly.

Maintenance

Energy conversion plant, distribution systems and energy-using equipment will be correctly maintained to avoid energy and water wastage. In particular, boilers and water heating systems will be serviced annually, and room thermostats and radiator valves/thermostats will be checked and serviced on a regular basis.

Buildings maintenance programmes that prioritise energy conservation will be put in place. This includes draft reduction, broken window repair, insulation improvements and building modernisation projects.

Awareness

Regular awareness initiatives for staff will emphasise the cost and environmental benefits of saving energy and water and how to avoid waste. For their interest, staff will also be provided with information on how to save energy at home.

Health and safety

Minimum temperatures will be maintained in the building throughout the working day. Lighting levels will be maintained at safe levels, particularly in thoroughfares, slopes and access points/exits.

Reporting

The service manager will prepare an annual energy performance report. This will be incorporated into the annual report and development plan.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next review date: this policy is reviewed annually (every 12 months). When needed, this policy is also updated in response to changes in legislation, regulation, best practices, or organisational changes.

DW72. Energy Management in Domiciliary Care