Orchard Healthcare Group is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligned with UK Government targets and the expectations of local authorities, the NHS, and regulators.
Our approach recognises the unique requirements of residential and nursing care, ensuring that decarbonisation supports—rather than compromises—resident safety, comfort and quality of care.
Our Commitment
• Achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across Orchard Healthcare Group operations
• Deliver measurable emissions reductions by 2030 and 2040
• Embed sustainability into estates, procurement and service planning
• Maintain full compliance with CQC, health and safety, Central Govt ESOS reporting commitments and commissioning requirements
Scope of the Plan
Our Net Zero plan covers:
• Scope 1 – Direct emissions from heating, fuel and fleet
• Scope 2 – Purchased electricity
• Relevant Scope 3 – Key supply-chain emissions, including food, hazardous waste, general waste, laundry and capital works
• A structured carbon baseline and annual reporting framework is in place as part of our wider ESG governance, overseen at Board level.
How We Will Deliver Net Zero
Buildings & Energy
• Transition to renewable electricity across the estate
• Progressive improvement of building energy efficiency (e.g. insulation, controls, LED lighting)
• Phased replacement of fossil-fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives where safe and viable
• Carbon considerations embedded into refurbishment and service conversion programmes in line with BREEAM certification.
Estates & Capital Planning
• Sustainable sourcing e.g. FSC fully integrated into planned maintenance and lifecycle replacement
• High-energy-use homes prioritised for early intervention
• Low-carbon design principles applied to refurbishments, new space and service developments, in line with BREEAM certification requirements
Transport
• Reduction of business travel through digital working
• Gradual transition to low-emission and electric vehicles where operationally Appropriate
Waste, Water & Resources
• Improved waste segregation and recycling
• Food-waste reduction initiatives within catering services
• Water efficiency measures incorporated into estate upgrades
Funding, Value for Money and Commissioning Partnership
Orchard Healthcare Group recognises that implementing a robust and credible Net Zero transition plan carries an associated cost, particularly in relation to estates investment, energy infrastructure and long-term asset improvement.
We are committed to working in partnership with local authorities, NHS commissioners and funding bodies to:
• Support a shared understanding of the investment required to decarbonise care settings
• Ensure Net Zero expectations are appropriately reflected within sustainable fee structures and contract pricing
• Avoid unintended impacts on care quality, resident safety or service continuity
We believe that achieving Net Zero in social care is a shared system responsibility, and that long-term environmental objectives must be underpinned by realistic and sustainable funding models.
Supply Chain & Social Value
• ESG and environmental criteria embedded into procurement and tender evaluation
• Active engagement with suppliers on carbon reduction and transparency
• Preference for local, ethical and lower-carbon supply solutions where consistent with value for money
People & Residents
• Sustainability training and ESG awareness for colleagues
• Resident comfort, warmth and wellbeing prioritised in all building and energy decisions
• Environmental improvements delivered without disruption to care delivery Governance & Assurance
• Net Zero delivery overseen through Orchard’s Board-level ESG governance
• Annual progress review and reporting
• Evidence available to support tender submissions, contract monitoring and inspections
• Alignment with commissioner expectations on sustainability, resilience and long-term
Value
Key Milestones
By 2030: Significant reduction in operational emissions and renewable electricity in place
By 2040: Majority of homes decarbonised for heat
By 2050: Net zero achieved across Orchard Healthcare Group operations
Orchard Healthcare Group is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable care – today and for the long term – while supporting local authorities and NHS
partners in meeting shared climate and social value objectives.
Updated April 2026
