Standards Care is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and operating in an environmentally responsible manner in line with UK Government Net Zero targets. We aim to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 and have developed a Carbon Reduction Plan in accordance with PPN 06/21, covering Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions. Our approach is proportionate to the size and nature of our organisation and reflects the realities of delivering community-based care services.
We have established a baseline for our emissions and have implemented processes to measure, monitor and report on our carbon output annually. This includes emissions associated with business travel, staff commuting, energy consumption, and operational delivery. We are committed to improving the accuracy and completeness of our data over time, ensuring transparency and alignment with required reporting standards. Progress against our Carbon Reduction Plan is reviewed at senior management level to ensure clear accountability and oversight.
Our operating model is designed to minimise environmental impact wherever possible. A remote-first approach is adopted for administrative, management and coordination functions, reducing the need for office space, lowering energy consumption, and significantly decreasing commuting-related emissions. Where office-based roles are required, staff are locally based and operate within reasonable commuting distances to reduce travel impact.
For frontline care delivery, we prioritise local recruitment, ensuring staff are based within the communities they support. This reduces travel distances, supports continuity of care, and improves efficiency. Care delivery is planned using geographically aligned rotas to minimise mileage and avoid unnecessary travel. We actively promote efficient route planning and the reduction of non-essential journeys as part of our day-to-day operations.
We are committed to reducing energy usage across all aspects of the business. This includes the use of energy-efficient equipment, responsible management of lighting and IT systems, and minimising waste. We operate predominantly digital systems, reducing reliance on paper and physical documentation, which supports both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
Sustainable travel is encouraged across the organisation. Staff are supported to adopt responsible travel practices, including car sharing where appropriate and planning journeys efficiently. Where possible, virtual meetings are used in place of travel to further reduce emissions.
Our procurement approach takes environmental considerations into account alongside quality and value. We seek to work with suppliers who demonstrate responsible environmental practices and align with our commitment to sustainability. This includes consideration of supply chains, product sourcing, and service delivery models.
We maintain records of our carbon emissions, environmental actions, and progress against targets as part of our Carbon Reduction Plan. This is reviewed and updated annually to ensure continued compliance with PPN 06/21 and to reflect any changes in operations or best practice. We are committed to setting realistic, measurable reduction targets and demonstrating year-on-year improvement.
Responsibility for environmental management sits within our senior leadership team, ensuring that sustainability is embedded within strategic decision-making and operational delivery. Compliance is monitored through internal review processes, and actions are taken where improvements are identified.
Through this structured and practical approach, Standards Care demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, meeting required standards for public sector contracts, and delivering care services in a sustainable and responsible way.
Baseline Year: 2024
Scope 1: 4.2 tCO2e
Scope 2: 2.1 tCO2e
Scope 3: 28.5 tCO2e
Current/Most Recent Reporting Year: 2025
Scope 1: 3.8 tCO2e
Scope 2: 1.9 tCO2e
Scope 3: 25.7 tCO2e
These figures are based on our current operational model as a community-based care provider. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions remain low due to minimal owned assets and a remote-first approach to administrative functions, reducing office energy usage. Scope 3 emissions represent the largest proportion and are primarily associated with staff travel for care delivery. Reductions between the baseline and current year reflect our focus on localised staffing, improved rota planning, reduced travel distances, and continued use of remote working practices.
