How social care strengthens people, communities and the planet
As Scotland faces increasing climate and environmental challenges, social care is already playing a vital role in protecting people, strengthening communities and building resilience for the future.
This week, as part of the Care Creates… campaign, we’re highlighting how care that cares for people also cares for the planet – and why climate‑positive care is essential public infrastructure for Scotland’s wellbeing and sustainability.
Protecting people through climate‑ready care
Climate change is not a distant or abstract risk for social care – it is already affecting the people who draw on support.
National research shows that adapting care settings to be climate‑ready works. Improving resilience in care homes and home‑based care can significantly reduce harm from overheating, flooding and service disruption, protecting people’s health, safety and dignity.
Climate‑ready care environments save lives, reduce risk and ensure continuity of support for those who need it most.
Greener buildings, better care
Care settings are also central to Scotland’s climate and energy ambitions.
Energy is one of the largest non‑staff costs in care homes, meaning that improving energy efficiency does more than reduce emissions – it protects services, lowers bills and improves comfort for people who draw on care.
Investment in retrofitting older care buildings is essential to meet energy efficiency standards and delivers long‑term savings, resilience and sustainability for the sector. Supporting care providers to go greener strengthens care today and safeguards it for the future.
Care as essential climate infrastructure
Social care is a critical part of Scotland’s climate resilience.
Evidence shows that reducing climate‑related harm can prevent billions in future health costs, meaning that investing in sustainable care is an investment in public value – saving money as well as lives.
National risk assessments also confirm that including care in climate planning is essential. Adapting health and social care infrastructure strengthens Scotland’s ability to respond to future shocks, protect communities and support the most vulnerable when it matters most.
Care creates climate‑positive futures
Through climate‑ready environments, greener buildings and resilient services, social care is already contributing to a fairer, healthier and more sustainable Scotland.
This is what it means to see care not as a cost, but as essential public infrastructure – creating wellbeing, resilience and opportunity for people, communities and the planet.
Share how care creates climate‑positive change
We invite care providers, staff, people who draw on care and partners to share how care that cares for people and planet is taking shape across Scotland.
Use #CareCreates and join the conversation.
