Carbon Reduction Plan
Gracewood Healthcare Ltd aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045, ahead of the UK’s 2050 national target.
Introduction – Who We Are and Why Sustainability Matters
Gracewood Healthcare Ltd is committed to providing safe, high-quality supported living and care services while minimising our environmental impact.
As a responsible healthcare provider operating across Northamptonshire and the wider region, we recognise that climate change and environmental sustainability are critical issues affecting our communities and future generations.
In line with the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 target and Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21, Gracewood Healthcare Ltd has developed a Carbon Reduction Plan to guide our progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all areas of our operations.
Our Net Zero Commitment
We are publicly committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
We aim to achieve:
- 25% reduction by 2030
- 50% reduction by 2040
- Net Zero by 2050
This commitment covers all our supported living operations, offices, and associated activities across Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.
Establishing Our Carbon Baseline
Gracewood Healthcare Ltd began measuring its carbon footprint in 2024, focusing initially on emissions from:
- Office and supported living property energy use (gas and electricity)
- Business and care-related travel by staff
- Waste management and recycling
- Procurement and supply chain activities (Scope 3 emissions)
A full baseline report will be completed by March 2025, providing accurate data to track and report reductions each year.
Actions We Are Taking Now
We are actively implementing practical steps to reduce our environmental impact, including:
- Upgrading lighting and heating systems to energy-efficient (LED and low-carbon) technologies
- Encouraging recycling, waste minimisation, and paperless working across all services
- Introducing digital record-keeping and virtual meetings to cut travel emissions
- Encouraging the use of public transport, car-sharing, and hybrid/electric vehicles
- Selecting suppliers who demonstrate environmental responsibility and sustainable practices
- Training staff to be aware of environmental impacts in their daily work
Future Plans and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement in environmental performance. Over the next three years, we plan to:
- Complete a full carbon footprint audit and publish annual updates
- Develop a Sustainable Procurement Policy to guide eco-friendly purchasing decisions
- Transition to renewable energy sources where possible
- Expand recycling and waste segregation facilities at all supported living sites
- Integrate sustainability into our staff training and induction programmes
- Partner with housing providers and local authorities to improve building efficiency and sustainability outcomes
Governance and Reporting
Oversight of our Carbon Reduction Plan is provided by Gracewood Healthcare Ltd’s senior management team. Progress is reviewed quarterly as part of our governance and compliance framework.
Our Environmental and Sustainability Policy (coming soon) will outline specific measurable targets, responsibilities, and annual reporting requirements to ensure accountability and transparency.
Gracewood Healthcare Ltd – Our Commitment to Carbon Reduction and Sustainability