1. Our Commitment to Achieving Net Zero
We Care 4 You Services Limited is steadfastly committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning fully with the ambitious targets set by the UK Government and the Public Procurement Notice (PPN) 06/21. We recognize the profound urgency of addressing climate change and are dedicated to significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This commitment isn’t just about compliance; it’s about embedding sustainability into the very fabric of our organisation and the compassionate adult social care services we deliver across Essex. We believe that responsible environmental stewardship is integral to providing high-quality, future-proof care.
2. Baseline Emissions Footprint: Establishing Our Starting Point
While we have not yet completed a formal carbon footprint assessment, we understand that establishing a robust baseline is crucial for effective carbon management. As part of our immediate commitment under this Carbon Reduction Plan, we will undertake the following steps:
- Comprehensive Assessment: By Q4 2025, we will engage a qualified specialist advisor or utilise industry-recognised tools to conduct a full Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions assessment. This will provide a holistic view of our direct and indirect emissions.
- Baseline Year Definition: The data gathered from this assessment will be used to formally establish our baseline emissions year by Q4 2025.
- Transparency and Publication: Upon completion of this assessment and the establishment of our baseline, we will promptly publish an updated and more detailed Carbon Reduction Plan to reflect our findings and subsequent strategy.
3. Carbon Reduction Targets: Setting Our Path to Net Zero
Once our baseline emissions data is firmly established, we will move swiftly to define clear, measurable, and ambitious carbon reduction targets. Our approach will include:
- Science-Based Targets: We will develop realistic and measurable targets for carbon reduction that are fully aligned with the UK’s Net Zero target for 2050, considering sector-specific pathways where applicable.
- Interim Milestones: To ensure continuous progress and accountability, we will define clear interim reduction milestones, targeting significant progress by 2028 and 2035. These milestones will allow us to monitor our trajectory and adapt our strategies as needed.
- Operational Integration: Our carbon reduction targets will not be standalone objectives. They will be integrated into our operational plans, service delivery frameworks, and supply chain practices, ensuring sustainability is a consideration in every aspect of our work.
4. Planned Carbon Reduction Initiatives: Proactive Steps
In anticipation of our comprehensive assessment and drawing on best practices within the home care sector, we are already committed to implementing the following preparatory and forward-looking initiatives. These actions demonstrate our proactive approach to reducing our environmental impact:
- Comprehensive Carbon Audit: Our top priority is to commission a full carbon footprint audit (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by Q4 2025. This foundational step will inform all subsequent strategies.
- Environmental and Sustainability Policy Development: By Q1 2026, we will develop and officially adopt a comprehensive internal Environmental and Sustainability Policy. This policy will outline our principles and guidelines across key areas including sustainable procurement, transport optimisation, energy efficiency, and effective waste management.
- Staff Awareness and Training Program: Recognising that our team is central to our success, we will introduce mandatory staff awareness training on sustainability and responsible environmental practices by Q1 2026. This will empower our care professionals and administrative staff to contribute actively to our carbon reduction goals.
- Digital Transformation Review: We will conduct a thorough evaluation of our current digital systems and identify further opportunities for digitisation. This aims to significantly reduce reliance on paper and other physical resources, streamlining operations while cutting emissions.
- Sustainable Fleet and Travel Policy Development: We will initiate a comprehensive review of our transport usage, including all aspects of staff travel patterns related to client visits and administrative duties. This will assess the potential for significant emissions reductions through:
- Optimisation of travel routes using route planning software.
- Transitioning towards a greater proportion of low-emission or electric vehicles (EVs) within our fleet.
- Promoting and supporting the use of public transport, cycling, and walking where appropriate for staff and administrative travel.
- Exploring incentives for staff to adopt more sustainable commuting options.
- Energy Efficiency Audit & Implementation: We will conduct an energy audit of our office premises to identify areas for improvement in energy consumption. This will lead to initiatives such as:
- Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LEDs).
- Optimising heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Encouraging energy-saving behaviours among staff.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Program: We will enhance our waste management practices, focusing on reducing waste generation and maximising recycling efforts across our operations. This includes promoting the use of reusable items and responsible disposal methods.
5. Governance and Monitoring: Ensuring Accountability and Progress
To effectively support and monitor our carbon reduction journey, we will establish clear governance structures and reporting mechanisms:
- Dedicated Sustainability Leadership: We will formally appoint a Sustainability Lead by Q1 2026. This individual will be responsible for overseeing our environmental performance, leading carbon reporting initiatives, and ensuring continuous compliance with PPN 06/21.
- Internal Working Group: An internal working group will be established to provide strategic oversight and drive the development, delivery, and continuous review of our carbon reduction strategy. This group will comprise representatives from key operational areas.
- Annual Reporting and Transparency: We are committed to full transparency. Once our baseline emissions and reduction targets are established, we will publish annual updates on our carbon reduction progress on our official website and within relevant stakeholder reports. This regular reporting will detail our achievements, challenges, and future plans.
6. Declaration and Sign-Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan formally confirms We Care 4 You Services Limited’s unwavering intent to comply with all requirements of PPN 06/21. We are dedicated to developing and maintaining a robust Carbon Reduction Plan that consistently meets the Technical Standard, underscoring our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable care delivery.
Signed:
James Antwi
Director, We Care 4 You Services Limited
Date: 15th May 2025