Sustainable Transformation of a Local Authority Assisted Living Facility
At Carbon Profile, we're dedicated to guiding our clients towards a sustainable future, combining real estate expertise with strategic decarbonisation. This case study highlights our work with a local governmental authority in the South Midlands, demonstrating how we addressed complex sustainability challenges at an assisted living facility.
The Client’s Challenge
Our client, a local authority, sought to enhance the sustainability of their assisted living facility, home to approximately 80 residents. The site faced significant challenges across energy, water, and biodiversity:
Energy: Limited suitable roof space for solar panels due to tree shading and unfavourable roof pitch, hindering renewable energy generation.
Water: Water scarcity concerns arising from a combination of local supply-demand imbalances and high internal water usage.
Biodiversity: Intensive land management practices left the site a fraction of it’s capacity for biodiversity
The Solutions We Provided
Carbon Profile adopted a holistic approach, delivering innovative and practical solutions:
Energy - Innovative Photovoltaic Integration
Energy Use / Production Per Year
We developed an innovative photovoltaic (PV) solution by utilising the available roof space across the facility’s individual residential buildings. These panels were designed to be connected via underground cabling to a central system, supplying renewable energy to the communal spaces. This overcame the limitations of the primary building's roof space.
Works Explored
Solutions Provided
Solar Irradiance Assessments
Detailed site-specific solar irradiance assessments to determine optimal panel placement and energy yield.
Structural Feasibility Studies
Comprehensive structural feasibility studies for panel installation on various roof types, ensuring safe and secure mounting.
Distributed PV System
We designed a distributed PV system, utilising the available roof space across the facility’s individual residential buildings.
These panels were connected via underground cabling to a central system, supplying renewable energy to the communal spaces.
This approach effectively bypassed the limitations of the primary building's roof.
Water - Resource Management and Efficiency
Yearly Water Demand Impact
To address the site's water scarcity challenges, we researched a comprehensive water management strategy, focusing on both supplementing supply and reducing demand.
Works Explored
Solutions Provided
Site Water Usage Audit
Detailed analysis of existing water fixtures and appliances to identify inefficiencies and assessment of current water consumption patterns and demand.
Rainwater Capture and Storage Calculations
Calculations of potential rainwater capture based on roof areas and local rainfall data. Along with sizing and selection of appropriate storage tanks and filtration systems.
Water-Efficient Fixture Selection
Research and specification of water-efficient fixtures and appliances as water-saving measures.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
We designed and implemented rainwater harvesting systems to capture and utilise rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing reliance on the mains water supply. This involved the installation of storage tanks, filtration systems, and distribution networks.
Demand Reduction and Water Efficiency
We conducted a water usage audit and recommended the implementation of water-efficient fixtures.
Biodiversity - Habitat Enhancement and Net Gain
Increase in Biodiversity
To address the Intensive land management practices that left the site a fraction of it’s capacity for biodiversity, we developed and implemented a bespoke biodiversity management plan.
Works Explored
Solutions Provided
Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations
Detailed biodiversity net gain calculations to establish baseline biodiversity units and determine target improvements.
Hedgerow Diversity Surveys and Improvement Plans
Comprehensive hedgerow diversity surveys to assess existing conditions. Development of detailed improvement plans to enhance hedgerow biodiversity.
Habitat Creation and Management Strategies
Assessment of existing habitats and identification of opportunities for improvement. Development of habitat creation and management strategies tailored to the site's specific conditions.
Biodiversity Management Plan
We created a tailored biodiversity management plan with achievable objectives to enhance habitat diversity. This plan focused on improving existing habitats and creating new ones to support local flora and fauna.
Hedgerow Enhancement
We developed strategies to significantly increase hedgerow diversity, improving connectivity and habitat quality.
Habitat Creation and Management
We provided guidance and plans for the creation of new habitats and the ongoing management of existing ones.
Results
Our comprehensive solutions delivered significant environmental and economic benefits
Energy
The PV system will displace 36.86 kWh/m² of electricity in the communal areas, with a projected payback time of 6.6 years.
The implementation of PV solar panels alone would increase the EPC rating from an E 109 to a D 90.
Annual carbon savings of 2.4 tonnes, preventing the equivalent of 441,387.2 kg of coal burned over 30 years.
Water
The rainwater harvesting system will significantly reduce the demand on the mains water supply by capturing 320,000 Litres of rainwater per year.
Water efficiency measures will reduce overall water consumption by 270,000 Litres, mitigating scarcity risks.
Collectively the rainwater harvesting system and internal changes to the property would meet 80% of the sites non-potable water demand
Biodiveristy
Increased habitat biodiversity by 22%.
Increased hedgerow diversity by 286%.
The site will deliver 1.9 biodiversity units following our suggestions.
Impact and Benefits
By partnering with Carbon Profile, the local authority achieved:
Enhanced sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Significant cost savings through reduced energy and water consumption.
Improved EPC ratings, contributing to the property's long-term value.
Enhanced biodiversity, creating a healthier and more vibrant environment for residents.
Demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with local and national sustainability goals.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates Carbon Profile's ability to deliver innovative and effective sustainability solutions for complex projects. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their decarbonisation goals, creating a positive legacy for future generations.
See further details and some words from our client about this project in our case studies section on our site.
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