1. Commitment to achieving net zero
ExcelCare Agency is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across Scope 1, Scope 2 and the material categories of Scope 3 that we can measure and influence. We have set an interim target of a 50% reduction by 2030 against our 2024/25 baseline.
This plan is prepared in line with the reporting requirements of PPN 06/21 and the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, so that it can be supplied to commissioners and as part of public sector procurement.
2. Baseline emissions footprint
Reporting period: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. Figures are calculated from energy bills, mileage records, water bills and procurement spend, using UK Government conversion factors for the relevant year.
| Scope | Category | tCO2e | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Agency-owned vehicles (diesel and petrol) | 12.6 | 26% |
| Scope 2 | Purchased electricity (office) | 2.4 | 5% |
| Scope 3 | Business travel in staff vehicles (well-to-tank and mileage not in Scope 1) | 18.9 | 39% |
| Scope 3 | Staff commuting | 8.1 | 17% |
| Scope 3 | Purchased goods and services (PPE, uniforms, clinical supplies) | 4.2 | 9% |
| Scope 3 | Waste generated in operations | 1.3 | 3% |
| Scope 3 | Water supply and treatment | 0.8 | 1% |
| Total | 48.3 | 100% |
*Figures are the agency's current best estimate for the baseline year and are recalculated each year as data quality improves. They are reviewed against energy bills, fuel records and mileage reports before publication.*
Excluded from this baseline, and reported separately as data improves: employee homeworking energy, upstream distribution of purchased goods, and the carbon embedded in the homes of the people we support.
3. Emissions reduction targets
| Milestone | Target | Reduction vs baseline |
|---|---|---|
| 2027/28 | 10% reduction | 43.5 tCO2e |
| 2029/30 | 25% reduction | 36.2 tCO2e |
| 2034/35 | 50% reduction | 24.2 tCO2e |
| 2039/40 | Net zero | 0 tCO2e, with residual emissions offset only as a last resort |
4. Carbon reduction projects
Completed
- Moved all care records and rotas to digital systems, eliminating paper visit sheets and postage.
- Installed LED lighting and smart heating controls in the office.
- Switched the office electricity supply to a 100% renewable tariff.
- Introduced geographic rostering, reducing average daily mileage.
Planned
| Project | Action | Owner | Target date | Estimated saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet transition | Replace agency vehicles with electric or hybrid; install office charging | Registered Manager | 2028 | 6–8 tCO2e/yr |
| Route optimisation | Review every round quarterly; cap travel time between visits | Care Coordinator | Ongoing | 3–5 tCO2e/yr |
| Active travel | Cycle-to-work scheme, mileage incentives for walking and cycling rounds | Sustainability Lead | 2027 | 1.5 tCO2e/yr |
| Building fabric | Insulation, draught-proofing, secondary glazing | Operations | 2027 | 0.4 tCO2e/yr |
| Procurement | Consolidate deliveries, require reduced packaging, prefer concentrated products | Operations | 2027 | 1 tCO2e/yr |
| Renewables | Solar generation at the office where feasible | Board | 2029 | 0.8 tCO2e/yr |
| Waste | Increase segregation and recycling rate to 75% | Sustainability Lead | 2027 | 0.5 tCO2e/yr |
5. Governance and reporting
The Sustainability Lead (a nominated member of the management team) collects data monthly and reports to the Board quarterly. The Board approves this plan annually and signs the published statement. Progress against each target is reported against the baseline, with an explanation of any variance.
Emissions are recalculated and published on the agency website each year alongside the Environmental Sustainability Policy. Where a target is missed, the Board records the reason and an additional action.
6. Offsetting
Offsetting is not used to meet interim targets. It is considered only for genuinely residual emissions after reduction measures, using verified schemes aligned with the UK Woodland or Peatland Carbon Codes, and is reported separately from reduction.
7. Declaration
This Carbon Reduction Plan is approved by the Board of Directors of ExcelCare Agency and is reviewed at least annually.
Signed on behalf of the Board · Registered and providing care in England · Reviewed April 2026