The Importance of Sustainability in the Care Industry

Caring isn’t just about providing the highest quality of care to the families we work with. At Ashridge Home Care, we believe in the importance of caring for the environment and giving back to the community. That’s why we’re committed to creating sustainable practices that care for the environment, supporting local businesses and passing on knowledge. 

Why is sustainability so important within the care industry?

As the demand for hourly and live-in care in the UK continues to grow, so do our responsibilities as care providers. Introducing sustainable practices helps care services to remain effective in providing the best care for the families they work with whilst also sharing the responsibility for the planet. 

By aligning with sustainable practices, we can positively contribute to the environment. Increased sustainability efforts, like those made at Ashridge Home Care, may cost money in the short term, but are likely to save businesses time and money in the future. Marked sustainability efforts ensure businesses comply with regulatory standards, resulting in greater efficiency and a bolstered reputation. In a system that supports the needs of individuals and communities, our sustainability commitments are just another way that we give back. 

How can care providers reduce their environmental impact?

At Ashridge Home Care, we’re always working to reduce our environmental impact by implementing practices that increase energy efficiency, promote alternative products and educate teams. Here are just a few of the ways that we strive to make a difference: 

Saving energy in office spaces 

Powering offices and facilities sustainably is a great way to reduce the impact a business has on the environment. For example, at Ashridge Home Care, we’ve upgraded our facilities to include energy-efficient heating, cooling systems and lighting. Whether this means reviewing the way we power our offices or researching more sustainable options, we want to continue to reinvest in our physical spaces so that we can make them more energy-efficient. These steps help to continue to reduce carbon emissions, with alternative products designed to reduce energy consumption taking the place of outdated models. Government incentives designed to encourage greater sustainability also make it easier than ever to implement further eco-friendly practices.

Reducing waste and encouraging recycling 

Handling waste in a responsible, eco-conscious manner is a key way for businesses to reduce their waste outputs. In order to effectively implement this, staff need to be aware of the latest waste and recycling guidelines so that they can recycle wherever possible. At Ashridge Home Care, we have encouraged comprehensive recycling programmes to our staff. . This has resulted in us reducing our usage of single-use plastic, which has significantly reduced our waste output. 

Educating staff on sustainability practices 

As important as it is to introduce sustainable practices, it is difficult to motivate staff to make these changes if they don’t understand the meaning behind them. At Ashridge Home Care, we invest in our teams by educating staff on the importance of sustainability. We know that we can learn from our staff just as much as they learn from us, so we encourage new ideas and opportunities to take part in eco-focused initiatives. By providing key training, care providers can reduce their environmental impact and more effectively implement steps to improve their sustainability. 

Using digital tools to reduce paper usage 

Digital tools can be used to reduce paper usage for care providers. Whether it’s taking notes or keeping track of schedules, paper production and usage can have significant environmental impacts. By reducing paper consumption in offices, our care business can play a vital role in conserving limited natural resources. It’s important to promote these changes to staff who may be used to doing things a certain way, so that they can effectively implement new green initiatives. The team at Ashridge Home Care are encouraged to be mindful about their paper usage, turning to digital tools wherever possible.

Promoting green transportation methods 

Promoting green transportation methods helps our staff at Ashridge Home Care to make greener choices. For example, when taking a client out for a trip, where possible, staff consider taking public transport like a bus or a train instead of driving. Of course, this will largely depend on the mobility of the person receiving care, but carers can still make small, routine changes to reduce their carbon footprint whilst working. Whether taking public transport or choosing to walk to work a few days a week, small changes can reduce a business’s overall environmental impact. 

Calculating your carbon footprint

Calculating your carbon footprint can give businesses a vital insight into how sustainably their business is managed, as well as areas they can potentially improve. An individual or business’s carbon footprint is typically calculated by reviewing your annual emissions over the last twelve months. When calculating your footprint, you can offset your emissions by taking into account the carbon-conscious activities you have implemented. By calculating your carbon footprint, you can identify areas of potential improvement and set goals for the following 12 months. These metrics will help you  track your success, highlighting opportunities to strengthen business practices to leverage better results. 

Why are Ashridge Home Care committed to environmental sustainability? 

At Ashridge Home Care, we want to keep making a positive difference in the world around us. Our award-winning care branches out into everything we do, and our commitment to environmental sustainability means we can keep giving back to local communities. Our impactful sustainability measures allow us to continue to reduce our environmental impact, creating a greener world for generations to come. 

Looking to secure the best care for your loved ones? With Ashridge Home Care, your family can access the highest standards of hourly and live-in care with a business that is constantly striving to live up to and improve upon their sustainability commitments. Get in touch today to find out more.