Our Commitment to the Environment...
At Cavalry Healthcare, we recognise our responsibility to protect both the health of our planet, and of those we support. As a healthcare organisation, we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in line with UK legislation.
We recognise our responsibilities under:
Net zero by 2050 (our goal is earlier, by 2045).
Ensuring healthcare providers contribute to climate targets and adaptation planning.
Committing to improved air quality, waste reduction, and biodiversity support.
Supporting the transition to low-carbon energy systems across our estates.
While we are in the private sector, we align with NHS ambitions for net zero (2040/2045), to ensure consistency and interoperability across health systems.
Our Current Footprint
We care for individuals across specialist care homes, supported living settings and community-based facilities. Most of our impact comes from staff travel due to service users’ homes. Our key emissions sources are:
Direct (Scope 1):
Heating (gas boilers in care homes).
- Direct fuel use comes to around 7 tCO₂e/year
Indirect, Energy (Scope 2):
Electricity use in residential homes, therapy centres and offices.
Indirect energy use comes to around 12 tCO₂e/year
Scope 3, Supply Chain & Other:
Business Travel.
Food and catering supplies.
Clinical waste disposal.
Staff and visitor commuting.
Scope 3 footprint comes to around 698 tCO₂e/year
We are conducting a baseline carbon assessment using the GHG Protocol to measure our footprint transparently and consistently.
What we’re already doing:
• Solar panels installed at our HQ to reduce reliance on grid electricity.
• Moving to 100% LED lighting across offices and services we control.
• Electric car charging points available within close proximity of offices.
• Hybrid and remote working options to cut commuting emissions.
• Paperless care planning and administration systems to save resources.
• Partnership with Ecologi: 500 trees planted, supporting biodiversity as well as carbon removal, funded restoration of wildflower and wetlands in the UK and funded forest protection project in Paraguay (directly saving 10tCO2e).
Our Carbon Reduction Timeline
Baseline Emissions Audit
Complete first full audit of carbon footprint across all sites. Launch an annual carbon footprint update.
Net Zero for Scope 1&2
Cut Scope 1 & 2 emissions completely. All new facilities built to net-zero-ready standards.
Transforming How We Travel
Staff will be encouraged to take public transport. We will also optimise route planning and use innovative digital care reviews to prevent unecessary mileage.
Influencing Our Supply Chain
We will work with property partners and landlords to decarbonise supported-living homes (better insulation, renewable power, efficient heating).
Full Net Zero
Reach net zero across our entire value chain, including procurement and clinical supply chain (Scope 3).
Our Key Actions
Retrofitting existing homes with insulation, LED lighting and smart energy controls.
Transitioning from gas boilers to air-source and ground-source heat pumps.
Using renewable electricity across all sites (REGO-certified suppliers).
Phasing in electric minibuses and cars for resident transport.
Expanding use of digital consultations for families and professionals to cut travel.
Incentivising staff to use public transport or car-share.
Partnering only with suppliers who can demonstrate a Carbon Reduction Plan aligned with net zero.
Prioritising sustainable medical equipment and low-carbon catering suppliers.
Embedding social value and sustainability criteria in all contracts over £1m, in line with NHS procurement standards.
Reducing high-carbon medical gases and switching to alternatives where safe.
Encouraging use of lower-impact inhalers and pharmaceuticals.
Exploring reuse and reprocessing of medical equipment where clinically appropriate.
Segregating clinical and non-clinical waste more effectively.
Introducing food waste reduction programmes in care homes.
Partnering with recycling and re-use organisations to reduce landfill.
Reductions first, removals last
Our strategy is to reduce emissions at source wherever possible. Only once we have driven emissions as low as practicable will we use high-quality carbon sequestration projects (such as verified removals) to achieve true net zero.
Why This Matters for People with Complex Needs
Cleaner air and reduced pollution directly improve respiratory health and quality of life for our residents.
Energy-efficient, well-ventilated buildings mean more comfortable living spaces.
Cost savings from energy reduction will be reinvested in care and specialist therapies.
By taking a leadership role in sustainability, we ensure our residents and their families benefit from a safe, resilient, and future-proof service.
Get Involved
We believe sustainability is a shared journey. We invite staff, families, suppliers and community partners to support us in achieving these goals.
📩 Contact us at: sustainability@cavalrycare.co.uk