5 Energy Efficiency Challenges Care Homes Face—and How to Overcome Them
- nas638
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Many managers of Care homes across the UK face ongoing pressures to manage costs while at the same time, continuously improving residents’ comfort and meeting stringent regulatory standards. It can be a real challenge given rising costs and ever changing legislation.
One area offering significant potential savings and opportunity for manageable improvements is by improving energy efficiency.
According to recent industry research by ClearVUE Business, approximately 70% of a typical care home’s energy bill is attributed to heating alone, highlighting the immense potential for savings through energy efficiency improvements (ClearVUE, 2025).
As the UK moves towards net-zero targets by 2050, care homes have both a financial and ethical imperative to adopt more efficient energy practices.
In this article we explore five common challenges that care home managers face in harness the opportunities provided by improving energy efficiency, and suggest some actionable solutions supported by industry insights and recommendations by recognised industry leaders.
Energy Efficiency Challenge 1 - Poor Insulation Leading to Energy Wastage
Problem: Care homes with poor insulation lose substantial amounts of heat, making heating systems work harder than necessary. According to the Office for National Statistics, the median Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score for care home buildings in England was just 68 in 2024, revealing ample room for improvement in insulation standards (ONS, 2024).
Solution: Improving insulation—especially in roofs, walls, and windows—is key. Upgrading insulation and installing double-glazed windows reduces heat loss by up to 40%, significantly cutting energy costs and improving resident comfort. Proper insulation also contributes to compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), crucial for regulatory approval and long-term operational viability.
Challenge 2 - Inconsistent Room Temperatures Affecting Residents' Comfort
Problem: Temperature inconsistencies within care homes are common due to outdated heating systems, potentially causing discomfort among residents. These fluctuations can adversely affect elderly residents who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
Solution: Installing automated zoned heating systems offers precise control, allowing different areas of a facility to maintain optimal temperatures suited to their specific use. Effectively zoned heating can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional heating systems by heating only occupied spaces (Carbon Trust, 2025). This improvement enhances resident comfort, wellbeing, energy consumption and overall satisfaction.
Challenge 3 - Lack of Awareness of Energy Consumption Patterns
Problem: Care home managers often lack detailed visibility into their facilities' energy consumption patterns. Without understanding where energy is consumed, it becomes challenging to identify and rectify inefficiencies. After all, you can only manage what you measure.
Solution: By introducing smart energy monitoring solutions managers can have real-time insights into energy usage, pinpointing areas of waste and allowing proactive adjustments. Clear data empowers decision-making and encourages proactive management practices, reducing total energy consumption by 15-25% annually (ClearVUE, 2025). Facilities using real-time monitoring report not only reduced energy bills but also improved regulatory compliance and operational performance.
Challenge 4 - Resistance from Staff Due to Lack of Knowledge
Problem: Our people are the lifeblood of our businesses and keeping them up to date with innovations can be an ongoing task. Staff could resist adopting new technologies or energy-saving practices due to unfamiliarity or perceived complexity. Lack of staff buy-in can significantly undermine the effectiveness of energy efficiency programs.
Solution: Implementing regular, targeted staff training sessions can significantly enhance staff engagement. According to Skills for Care, effective training and staff engagement can improve the uptake of new technologies in care environments by more than 50% (Skills for Care, 2025). Training should clearly communicate how adopting these new practices improves staff working conditions, reduces workload, and contributes positively to resident care.
Challenge 5 - High Energy Bills Due to Outdated Lighting
Problem: Many care homes still operate outdated heating systems and inefficient incandescent lighting, leading to unnecessarily high energy consumption. Persisting with aging systems not only increases energy bills but could also negatively impact resident comfort and well-being.
Solution: Switching to energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting and smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy costs. LED bulbs use approximately 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, offering both immediate savings and lower maintenance costs due to their longer lifespan (Energy Saving Trust, 2025). Smart thermostats can further improve efficiency by automatically adjusting heating levels based on occupancy patterns, outdoor temperatures, and resident preferences.
The Benefits of Solving Energy Efficiency Solutions for Care Homes
The financial and operational advantages of adopting these solutions are clear:
Cost Savings: Energy-efficient measures significantly reduce operating costs, freeing up resources that can be reinvested directly into resident care, staffing, and facility enhancements and making your business more profitable.
Enhanced Comfort: Improved heating, lighting, and insulation ensure that residents live in comfortable environments, positively impacting their health and quality of life.
Environmental Sustainability: Reducing energy consumption aligns care homes with the UK’s sustainability goals, enhancing their reputation and attracting residents and families who prioritize environmental responsibility.
As noted by Dr. Alice Owen, Professor of Business Sustainability at the University of Leeds:
To sum up, care homes that proactively address these energy efficiency challenges not only achieve financial savings and regulatory compliance but also significantly improve the living standards and satisfaction of their residents.
Adopting these solutions creates lasting positive impacts, benefiting both operational effectiveness and community reputation.
For more detailed support, explore further:
Energy Saving Trust Advice on Lighting
Skills for Care Digital Skills Guide
To find out more about how your care home could benefit from improving your energy efficiency, call us on 0161 413 6156 or email us at info@timesgroupltd.com.