Our commitment

Our long-term target is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We will review our progress each year and update this plan as better information becomes available and as our service changes. We will take a practical approach that supports good care delivery while reducing avoidable emissions.

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Measuring our carbon footprint

During 2026/27 we will establish and document a clearer baseline for our operational carbon footprint. This will include, where information is available and proportionate to our business:

• energy used at our office and any other premises we control;

• fuel and mileage linked to business travel and care delivery;

• electricity and heating consumption;

• waste and recycling;

• paper, printing and other frequently purchased supplies; and

• relevant emissions from suppliers and services used by the business.

Once the baseline has been established, we will use it to set practical interim reduction targets and to measure progress towards our 2050 commitment.

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How we will reduce emissions

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Travel and care delivery

Travel is an important part of domiciliary care and cannot be removed completely. We will continue to plan care rounds carefully so that staff travel is kept as efficient as possible, while making sure that service users receive care at the agreed times and from appropriately matched staff. Where practical, we will encourage lower-emission vehicles, car sharing where suitable, walking and public transport. As vehicle technology and charging infrastructure develop, we will consider a gradual move towards electric and lower-emission vehicles.

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Energy use

We will reduce unnecessary energy use in our office by switching off lights and equipment when not in use, using energy-efficient equipment where practical and reviewing heating and electricity use. When replacing equipment, energy efficiency will be considered as part of the purchasing decision.

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Paper and digital working

Care 24 already makes use of digital care and management systems. We will continue to reduce unnecessary printing and paper records where this can be done safely and in line with legal, contractual and data protection requirements. Electronic communication and document sharing will be used where appropriate.

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Waste and purchasing

We will reduce avoidable waste, reuse items where safe and appropriate, and recycle through available local facilities. We will also consider environmental performance when choosing suppliers and products, including the amount of packaging, product life, energy efficiency and whether items can be reused or recycled.

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Staff awareness

Managers will encourage staff to consider simple ways of reducing waste and energy use in their day-to-day work. Environmental considerations will be included in relevant staff communications and working practices.

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Working with suppliers

Where proportionate, we will ask key suppliers to support our environmental objectives and will take account of their approach to sustainability when reviewing purchasing arrangements.

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Monitoring and review

Senior management will review this plan at least annually. The review will consider available carbon data, progress against agreed actions, changes in legislation or guidance, and opportunities to reduce emissions further. The plan will be updated when necessary and the current version will remain publicly available on our website.

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Responsibility

Overall responsibility for this plan sits with the Directors of Care 24 (UK) Limited. Managers and staff are expected to support the actions that relate to their work.