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For private care 024 7637 1197
Work for us 024 7637 1197
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About

Carbon Reduction Plan 2025

Universal Care Services (UK) Ltd are part of the Clece Group who are ISO50001 (Energy Management) and ISO14001 (Environmental Management) accredited. This enables us to benefit from their expertise for monitoring environmental and energy impact. We have an integrated Social Value Strategy 2021-25 that includes a pledge to increase our sustainability and have a positive role in caring for our natural resources. To develop this strategy, we employ the expertise of Social Value Business (SVB).

SVB works in partnership with Accordant Solutions who specialise in developing carbon reduction plans aligned to GHG Protocol frameworks.

We are taking the following steps in our carbon neutral journey over the next 12 months:

  1. Baseline: A baseline assessment (know where you are) to identify scope
  2. Strategy: A carbon reduction strategy, delegation of tasks and responsibilities and initial net zero plan coupled with a PPN06/21 report. This will also establish a Net Zero target date of 2040
  3. Execution: Website statement outlining the Carbon Reduction Plan, coupled with staff

briefings, training, “How to” guide and strategy document for ongoing monitoring and

recording

  1. Reporting: Carbon strategy technical guide, integration into other accreditations and policies e.g. ISO14001, staff training and reporting incorporated into our performance management and governance processes
  2. Review and Repeat: Annual assessment on progress. Continuing the journey and redefining or improving the strategy year on year to reach and maintain Net Zero status

Whilst we develop the plan above, we are continuing to focus on carbon reduction and a low energy footprint wherever we can through our ISO140001 commitments and social value strategy pledges, such as:

  • We aim to be fully digitalised by end of 2025.
  • Reduction in the use of single-use material entering landfill by 80 % to 50% by 2025
  • By 2025, 100% of offices will have LED energy efficient bulbs

We also develop and agree local social value targets covering economic, social and environmental Themes Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) for commissioned contracts. The following commitments have been adopted by Universal Care Services:

Promoting Change

  • Agree strategy and specific targets/steps during contracting, with quarterly progress review. Universal Care Services Management team and Social Value Lead will work with stakeholders to align/embed the measures we develop together
  • Employ walkers/cyclists, encouraging cycling through offering cycle-to-work scheme
  • Promote car sharing amongst staff, where shift times facilitate

Carbon Footprint Reduction

  • Encourage staff to cycle to work (including electric bikes), car sharing, flexible rota’s wherever possible to match public transport
  • 95% of staff will be local
  • Use local supply chains for office equipment/consumables with a commitment to 50% of spend with local suppliers

Other Carbon Reduction Initiatives

  • Championing energy efficiencies e.g. fitting energy-efficient bulbs, using power-socket timers
  • Having an Eco-friendly and Fairtrade policy
  • Paperless surveys for staff/service users completed using Survey Monkey
  • Air quality tips for service users, e.g. opening windows, use of extractor fans, carbon monoxide alarms, looking out for damp/ mould, less polluting cleaning products etc.
  • Encouraging service users to use public transport, car share

Digital Innovation

  • Use of smartphones, web-portal technology for schedules, Care Plans, and shared document libraries to minimise printing/paper usage
  • Support Service User/family contact through video calls where appropriate
  • Promoting digital decarbonisation to reduce the amount of energy consumed by retaining digital information no longer needed
  • Training staff on how to support service users with digital gadgets

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Practices

  • Measure/manage use of paper and consumables, reducing use of paper within office environment in line with our target of 50% by 2023
  • Developing own sustainable practices and working with Service Users to:
    • Swap plastic straws for bio-degradable versions, reducing the use of single-use materials entering landfill by 50% by 2024
    • Use alternative materials for refuse sacks
    • Replace plastic cups with reusable mugs/cups
    • Use disposable gloves made from biodegradable material
    • Have refillable containers for products such as hand soaps and cleaning fluids

Supply Chain Sustainability

Goal: Ensure 100% of our suppliers meet sustainable practice standards by 2030.

Supply chain monitoring:

  • Conduct sustainability audits of all suppliers and partners, ensuring they comply with environmental standards.
  • We want to ensure we are partnering with suppliers who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

 

Sustainable procurement:

  • Prioritise sourcing materials and services from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions.
  • Ensure that all goods and services procured meet sustainability certifications (e.g., FSC for wood products, low-carbon technologies).

 

Environmental Engagement and Action Plan

  • Promote environmental responsibility: across staff and partners by actively participating in a minimum of four sustainability-focused initiatives each year.
  • Staff empowerment: Deliver training on sustainable practices and introduce incentives to encourage staff participation in environmental volunteering and green initiatives.