Energy Management in Care Homes Policy

{{org_field_name}} provider puts the wellbeing and safety of its residents and staff at the very core of its services. In this respect, {{org_field_name}} recognises that, in a care home setting, effective and efficient systems of heating, lighting and ventilation are critical.

{{org_field_name}} recognises in line with the applicable national care standards and health and safety laws that residential care facilities should provide a warm and comfortable environment for residents and that they should have control of the heating and lighting in their own rooms so they can adjust it to their needs.

In addition to providing adequate heating, lighting and ventilation for its residents and staff, the setting is also aware of its environmental responsibilities and is committed to the responsible management of energy and water.

The home aims to minimise expenditure and environmental impact by efficient management of these resources, while maintaining health and safety standards and an acceptable comfort level for staff, residents and other building users.

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 policy and action plan which will be communicated to all staff. The action 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.

Design

Energy efficiency will be taken into account at the design stage of any new building projects and any refurbishment.

Energy efficiency will be considered in the purchase of all new equipment, eg boilers, heating, lighting, computers, catering equipment, etc.

Performance

Heating levels will be maintained at levels which keep 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 people 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. This will be done through the procurement of suitable energy-efficient lighting products and controls which maintain the “homely” nature of the home, particularly in residents’ private rooms and in communal areas.

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.

Energy efficiency, conservation and wastage reduction will be a high priority in this setting but will never be allowed to reduce heating and lighting levels below acceptable levels.

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. Energy saving information will be provided to catering and cleaning staff. Staff will also be provided with information on how to save energy at home.

Health and safety

{{org_field_name}} views the comfort, health and safety of its residents and staff as of utmost importance and will not allow any energy savings to be made where they are at the expense of safety, comfort or welfare. To this end, minimum temperatures will be maintained in the building throughout the working day and lighting levels will be maintained at safe levels, particularly in thoroughfares, slopes and access points/exits.

Reporting

The 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: {{next_review_date}}

SCH74. Energy Management in Care Homes