Sustainability in care homes: Choosing greener products

While care homes are not routinely assessed on sustainability, in 2024, the CQC updated its criteria for NHS trusts and stated it will “continue developing how to assess environmental sustainability across other services, aiming to roll this out as part of wider framework changes planned for the second half of 2025/26”. In other words, there are plans to assess care homes on their sustainability practices, but these are not formalised yet.

But even without the pressure of external standards, operating sustainably should still be a goal for care homes. Not least because with energy bills set to rise again this autumn and the general cost of living still high, making eco-friendly choices can help streamline your operating costs – so there is a strong business case for investing in sustainability.

The good news is, making smarter product choices can make a big difference in terms of cutting costs, reducing your environmental impact, and supporting the delivery of better care for your residents. Small changes can be transformative – you don’t necessarily have to start planning to invest in solar panels, for example. In this blog post, we’ll provide suggestions for simple product tweaks you can make to help you operate more sustainably.

Because sustainability in care homes doesn’t have to require dramatic overhauls or expensive renovations – a selection of thoughtful procurement decisions can add up to meaningful change. From the laundry room to the kitchen, every product choice offers a chance to operate more sustainably, while delivering the high standards of care your residents deserve.

Your laundry room presents one of the biggest opportunities for sustainable impact. Switching to high-performance, low-temperature laundry detergents allows you to reduce washing temperatures from 40°C to 30°C without compromising cleanliness or infection control standards. This simple change can cut your laundry energy consumption by nearly 40% – a significant saving when you consider the volume of washing in care homes.

Look for concentrated detergents and cleaning products that deliver the same results in smaller quantities. Not only do these reduce packaging waste, but they also lower storage requirements and delivery frequency. Many of our cleaning products are available in concentrated formulations with the SmartDose delivery system – so you only use exactly what you need. This helps to reduce the number of deliveries required, which in turn cuts both transport emissions and storage space requirements. 

We also offer a wide selection of plant-based cleaning products, such as the SURE range, which includes dishwashing liquid, degreaser, disinfectant, and more. SURE products have been carefully formulated using 100% renewable, biodegradable ingredients, for maximum efficiency but minimal environmental impact. 

As a general note for selecting disinfectants, choose eco-certified options that maintain the antimicrobial efficacy required for care environments. Products bearing certifications like EU Ecolabel or Cradle to Cradle ensure environmental responsibility without compromising resident safety.

Personal care represents another significant opportunity for sustainable choices. Biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and lotions break down harmlessly in wastewater systems while often being gentler on residents' sensitive skin. Many eco-friendly formulations avoid harsh chemicals that can cause irritation; a win for both environmental and resident well-being. Shop our personal care range for a wide selection of carefully chosen, environmentally friendly products.

Replace individual bottles with pump dispensers in bathrooms and communal areas. This dramatically reduces plastic waste while being more cost-effective and hygienic. Wall-mounted dispensers also reduce the risk of bottles being dropped or knocked over, improving safety for residents with mobility challenges. 

Wipes are another product where it’s easy to make more eco-friendly choices. Our selection of wipes for personal care includes biodegradable and maceratable options, including the Nilaqua Biodegradable Skin Cleansing Wipes which are made from natural cellulose fibre and therefore deliver gentle, effective cleansing while being kind to the planet. 

Where disposable items are necessary for infection control or resident safety, opt for compostable alternatives. Compostable food packaging, cups, and cutlery perform identically to conventional disposables but break down harmlessly. It’s likely you’ve got a system for disposing of food waste, in accordance with the Simpler Recycling legislation implemented in spring 2025, but some care homes have successfully introduced small-scale composting systems for food waste, creating a closed loop that residents often enjoy participating in.

Another change to consider is upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen equipment when replacements are needed. Modern dishwashers and cooking equipment can significantly reduce water and energy consumption while often improving performance. 

Don't overlook the cumulative impact of reviewing your everyday office supplies and equipment, either. For example, LED light bulbs use about 80% less energy than regular bulbs and last significantly longer, too.

Embrace digital alternatives where appropriate: electronic medication administration records, digital communication systems, and online training platforms can substantially reduce paper consumption while often improving efficiency and record-keeping. And where you still need to use paper products, recycled paper supplies will help mitigate the environmental impact

Implementing sustainable product choices doesn't require making a vast number of overwhelming changes. Start with one area – e.g. switching to low-temperature, high-concentration laundry detergents – and build from there. Many care homes find that staff and residents appreciate being part of environmental initiatives, creating positive engagement around sustainability efforts.

The financial benefits often make the case themselves: reduced energy bills, lower waste disposal costs, and potential savings from bulk purchasing arrangements. These operational improvements free up resources for direct care activities while positioning your care home as a responsible community partner. If you’d like help and support choosing eco-friendly alternatives to the products you currently use, contact us today and our product experts will be delighted to advise you.