A new survey by heating manufacturer Baxi has revealed strong appetite among care home managers to embrace decarbonisation, but significant barriers remain in the sector’s journey toward carbon neutrality.
Budget and Appetite Are There – But Gaps Remain
An overwhelming 94% of care home managers expect to have a budget for decarbonisation initiatives. Encouragingly, nearly half (46%) said they have already decarbonised their heating systems, while 50% are in the process of doing so.
Despite this momentum, gas boilers still dominate the sector, with 42% of care homes listing them as their main heating system.
Cost and Practicality Drive Decisions
The survey, which polled over 400 senior and middle managers across private and public care homes, highlighted that:
- 85% cited running costs as the top consideration when replacing heating systems.
- 42% identified system efficiency as a key driver.
- 39% valued ease of installation.
Focus group discussions reinforced the importance of continuity and reliability in heating provision, vital for such a sensitive sector.
Knowledge and Resource Gaps
While willingness to decarbonise is clear, over 40% of respondents believe that improved access to technical advice, streamlined funding, and real-world case studies would accelerate adoption.
Public sector homes reported frustrations with funding competition delays and perceived bias, while private operators pointed to complex eligibility criteria and resource challenges.
Policy Recommendations
To overcome barriers and support the care sector, Baxi has proposed five key recommendations:
- Introduce ringfenced funding specifically for care home heating system decarbonisation.
- Provide clear guidance on eligibility and application processes.
- Address the skills gap by training specialists in care sector heat decarbonisation.
- Create databases of accredited contractors with relevant expertise.
- Rebalance levies to lower the cost of electric heating systems.
Industry Insight
Jeff House, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Baxi, commented:
“It’s encouraging to see from the survey that there is clear appetite among care home leaders to decarbonise their heating and hot water provision, but the evidence of some clear barriers mean there is plenty to be done in order to make this ambition a reality.”
He added that dedicated funding and clearer guidance could unlock the sector’s potential and mobilise the wider supply chain, turning what has felt like a “net zero blind spot” into a leadership opportunity for care homes.
The full findings of Baxi’s survey have been published in a downloadable report.
