Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Access Your Care (AYC) is committed to achieving Net neutrality by 2030 in alignment with the local authorities’ goal. We have prepared an action plan to guide us towards our target. Initially, we will conduct an extensive evaluation of our current practices to identify opportunities for improving our carbon footprint in areas such as transportation, energy consumption, waste management, and procurement.
To reduce emissions from transportation, we will prioritise low-emission vehicles whenever possible and encourage our staff to use active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transportation. Our route planning is optimised to minimise distance travelled and reduce fuel consumption. We actively encourage staff to bike, walk, or use public transportation to commute to work and have implemented a cycle-to-work scheme to support this. Currently, 21% of our care staff are walkers, 7% are cyclists, and we are committed to more than doubling this within 12 months.
While 72% of our care workers are drivers, we plan to replace all pooled cars with electric models up to 90% by 2025. We have also introduced a multi passenger and disabled access vehicle, which reduces emissions by using multiple pickup and drop-off points during care delivery. Increasing our workforce mobility whilst reducing the volume of transportation required to serve our clients.
To further reduce transportation emissions, we have committed to retaining at least 80% of our workforce for remote work, reducing the need for commuting, and holding meetings via virtual meeting technologies. We utilise online tools such as Microsoft Teams, video conferencing, and flexible working arrangements to achieve this.
To minimise emissions from recruitment, we have integrated remote interviews into our HR process, which is an ongoing and continuous effort. We are committed to and have almost achieved a paperless recruitment and continuous employment process.
AYC has already made significant progress in its digital transformation, moving towards a paperless office and service delivery. Clients can access to their care plans and information online, care and support staff use mobile and cloud applications to communicate and manage rosters. We only use paper or plastic folders when necessary and recycle them at the end of a care package. Our business continuity is supported by cloud-based technologies, which have a lower carbon footprint compared to on-premises solutions. All our computers and devices are low-energy and have energy-saving features enabled, automatically shut down when not in use.
We have introduced a sustainable procurement policy, which requires suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and sustainability. Our procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a significant aspect of our supply chain, and we are continuously exploring ways to reduce costs and improve waste management.
YC has implemented smart building technology in its offices to optimise energy efficiency, including the use of motion sensors to control lighting and temperature, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart meters to monitor energy use.
Our waste management strategy prioritises waste reduction through measures such as minimising paper usage and introducing recycling and composting programs. We ensure that any waste we generate is disposed of responsibly, using methods that minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
Access Your Care is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and behaviour change among our staff and service users. To achieve this, we will implement a multifaceted approach that includes targeted communication campaigns, training sessions, and workshops to raise awareness of sustainability and individual impact on the environment. We will also provide guidance and incentives for staff and service users to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and utilising public transportation.
To further support our commitment to sustainability, we will support or refer our clients to access support with any local or national grants relating to insulation for low income homes, the reduction of energy consumption and decrease of carbon emissions.
We will also issue blankets to vulnerable individuals to help reduce energy usage and actively monitor adverse weather conditions to gear and team up activities around helping individuals prior to these events. As well as providing training to our service users on how to reduce their environmental impact and adopt energy-efficient practices in their homes.
AYC is taking proactive measures to replenish natural resources and offset our carbon footprint. To achieve this, we have committed to purchasing carbon credits offsetting emissions generated by our office, with a continuous purchase of 68.25 tonnes per year. By 2030, offset a total of 500 tonnes of carbon credits.
Additionally, AYC has initiated a project to restore a diseased 17 acre woodland in North Somerset. This project is a self-funded and voluntary effort to promote biodiversity and habitat for the local community. The woodland will be accessible to the public via footpaths, providing opportunities for people to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities. Through this project, we are contributing to the restoration and conservation of local ecosystems and helping to promote a healthier environment for all.
AYC also recognises the importance of addressing emissions associated with its care operations. Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and remote care delivery can play a significant role. By investing in TEC, AYC aims to significantly reduce the ratio of carers to clients over the next 1-3 years (with sustained results thereafter) while delivering the highest ratio of safe care. TEC can also reduce transportation emissions by replacing in-person visits with remote monitoring and virtual consultations. Additionally, remote care delivery can reduce waste from medical equipment and supplies and reduce the need for paper records.
As we integrate TEC into our delivery, we will proactively educate and encourage our clients to adopt SMART home technologies. This will not only enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, but also enable them to actively manage their energy consumption and contribute positively to the climate emergency. Ultimately, this journey towards TEC will empower our clients to live a more active and sustainable lifestyle.
Action Plan
Policy in full
Access Your Care (AYC) is committed to achieving Net neutrality by 2030 in alignment with the local authorities’ goal. We have prepared an action plan to guide us towards our target.
Initially, we will conduct an extensive evaluation of our current practices to identify opportunities for improving our carbon footprint in areas such as transportation, energy consumption, waste management, and procurement.
To reduce emissions from transportation, we will prioritise low-emission vehicles whenever possible and encourage our staff to use active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transportation. Our route planning is optimised to minimise distance travelled and reduce fuel consumption.
We actively encourage staff to bike, walk, or use public transportation to commute to work and have implemented a cycle-to-work scheme to support this. Currently, 21% of our care staff are walkers, 7% are cyclists, and we are committed to more than doubling this within 12 months.
While 72% of our care workers are drivers, we plan to replace all pooled cars with electric models up to 90% by 2025. We have also introduced a multi passenger and disabled access vehicle, which reduces emissions by using multiple pickup and drop-off points during care delivery. Increasing our workforce mobility whilst reducing the volume of transportation required to serve our clients.
To further reduce transportation emissions, we have committed to retaining at least 80% of our workforce for remote work, reducing the need for commuting, and holding meetings via virtual meeting technologies. We utilise online tools such as Microsoft Teams, video conferencing, and flexible working arrangements to achieve this.
To minimise emissions from recruitment, we have integrated remote interviews into our HR process, which is an ongoing and continuous effort. We are committed to and have almost achieved a paperless recruitment and continuous employment process.
AYC has already made significant progress in its digital transformation, moving towards a paperless office and service delivery. Clients can access to their care plans and information online, care and support staff use mobile and cloud applications to communicate and manage rosters. We only use paper or plastic folders when necessary and recycle them at the end of a care package.
Our business continuity is supported by cloud-based technologies, which have a lower carbon footprint compared to on-premises solutions. All our computers and devices are low-energy and have energy-saving features enabled, automatically shut down when not in use.
We have introduced a sustainable procurement policy, which requires suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and sustainability. Our procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a significant aspect of our supply chain, and we are continuously exploring ways to reduce costs and improve waste management.
AYC has implemented smart building technology in its offices to optimise energy efficiency, including the use of motion sensors to control lighting and temperature, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart meters to monitor energy use.
Our waste management strategy prioritises waste reduction through measures such as minimising paper usage and introducing recycling and composting programs. We ensure that any waste we generate is disposed of responsibly, using methods that minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
Access Your Care is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and behaviour change among our staff and service users. To achieve this, we will implement a multifaceted approach that includes targeted communication campaigns, training sessions, and workshops to raise awareness of sustainability and individual impact on the environment. We will also provide guidance and incentives for staff and service users to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and utilising public transportation.
To further support our commitment to sustainability, we will support or refer our clients to access support with any local or national grants relating to insulation for low income homes, the reduction of energy consumption and decrease of carbon emissions. We will also issue blankets to vulnerable individuals to help reduce energy usage and actively monitor adverse weather conditions to gear and team up activities around helping individuals prior to these events. As well as providing training to our service users on how to reduce their environmental impact and adopt energy-efficient practices in their homes.
AYC is taking proactive measures to replenish natural resources and offset our carbon footprint. To achieve this, we have committed to purchasing carbon credits offsetting emissions generated by our office, with a continuous purchase of 68.25 tonnes per year. By 2030, offset a total of 500 tonnes of carbon credits.
Additionally, AYC has initiated a project to restore a diseased 17 acre woodland in North Somerset. This project is a self-funded and voluntary effort to promote biodiversity and habitat for the local community. The woodland will be accessible to the public via footpaths, providing opportunities for people to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities. Through this project, we are contributing to the restoration and conservation of local ecosystems and helping to promote a healthier environment for all.
AYC also recognises the importance of addressing emissions associated with its care operations. Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and remote care delivery can play a significant role. By investing in TEC, AYC aims to significantly reduce the ratio of carers to clients over the next 1-3 years (with sustained results thereafter) while delivering the highest ratio of safe care. TEC can also reduce transportation emissions by replacing in-person visits with remote monitoring and virtual consultations. Additionally, remote care delivery can reduce waste from medical equipment and supplies and reduce the need for paper records.
As we integrate TEC into our delivery, we will proactively educate and encourage our clients to adopt SMART home technologies. This will not only enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, but also enable them to actively manage their energy consumption and contribute positively to the climate emergency. Ultimately, this journey towards TEC will empower our clients to live a more active and sustainable lifestyle.
PDF Version – EIP Action Plan
