Improving energy efficiency and internal air quality in residential care

Through the implementation of smart buildings technology and data-driven insights, we have significantly enhanced the living conditions at Serene Care, a boutique care home operator that provides a safe, personalised and intimate home for residents.

At their Stoneyford Care Home, we strategically placed sensors to continuously monitor critical environmental factors, such as light levels, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration and occupancy. Our net zero and place specialists analysed the sensor data and crafted a series of recommendations to promote good practices and behaviours within the care home. These recommendations were complemented by targeted interventions designed to maximise energy savings and operational efficiencies.

The combined efforts of our technology, expertise, and actionable insights have resulted in a healthier and more sustainable environment for Serene Care’s residents.

Enhanced wellbeing for residents

Utilising data collected from our smart buildings technology, we closely collaborated with Serene Care to enhance the wellbeing of their residents. Our multifaceted recommendations included:

1. Optimising lighting levels: We identified areas where lighting improvements were necessary to meet industry benchmarks tailored to each specific space. By ensuring adequate illumination, our goal was to create a more comfortable and conducive environment for residents.
2. Reducing CO2 emissions: Through on-site management strategies, we pinpointed ways to minimise carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within the care home. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the overall health and comfort of residents.
3. Managing overheating: In hot weather conditions, overheating was a concern. We provided guidance on ventilation improvements to maintain optimal indoor temperatures, ensuring the comfort and safety of residents.
4. Heating and ventilation policies: We recommended specific heating and ventilation policies, which have now been successfully implemented across all five Serene Care homes. These policies aim to create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for residents.

Improved energy efficiency

With our support, Serene Care successfully transitioned their energy contracts to more cost-effective tariffs, resulting in immediate savings on their bills. Upon analysing the collected data of this fully electric care home, our team of experts identified that the care home was consuming energy at a rate significantly higher than the recommended practices for its building type. These findings highlighted the substantial potential for reducing their energy costs by 66% through:

• Building management system: The incorporation of this system is projected to save up to 25% on electricity costs.
• System updates: New controls, an upgraded heating system and retrofitting are projected to provide additional savings of up to 46%, providing a clear pathway to achieve the full 66% savings target.