Energy Saving Week: How can we do our part to save energy?

This Energy Saving Week it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the steps ExtraCare are taking to create more sustainable and energy-efficient communities across our retirement communities. Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a future that benefits both people and the planet.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in everything we do, from innovative building designs to small changes that make a big impact on daily living. To explore how we’re supporting this mission during Energy Saving Week, Melisa Cirakli, Environment and Sustainability Officer, discusses the initiatives, strategies, and practical tips we’re implementing across our villages.

How can our retirement locations be more green?

Many locations are already doing some great work at encouraging green practices. We have Green Task Forces at many locations already who champion environmental initiatives such as ‘Eco Stations’ and Recycling Schemes. They also raise any energy-reducing ideas or concerns they may have where energy is being wasted, so we can investigate the buildings controls and optimise systems to be more efficient. We can continue this optimisation and become greener by enhancing the Buildings Management Systems, continuing LED lighting upgrades and establishing these groups or champions in all locations.

What are we already doing to support this?

We already have plans to continue lighting upgrades to more efficient LED lighting. We are also already working to optimise the Building Management Systems, which are designed to save energy by control heating, cooling, and in some cases lighting, based on the environment rather than the user. Whilst doing this we actively monitor and maintain these systems and their usage to ensure they operate efficiently. Additionally, since I joined ExtraCare, I have been visiting locations, and their Eco Groups where they are established, to hear their thoughts and encourage and support their ideas, which has been really helpful in identifying target areas to improve.

If a resident wants to get involved how can they?

I would recommend contacting and joining your location’s Green Task Force or Eco Group. If you don’t have one yet, please contact me or your location manager with your thoughts and we can support getting your group started! They can also help by spreading energy-saving tips with neighbours, or volunteer to help with recycling or gardening projects. Residents can always suggest any green initiatives to us or participate in street meetings to advocate for more eco-friendly practices. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference!