Residential Care Activities
Operation of residential care facilities that substantially contribute to climate adaptation through building resilience and protection of vulnerable populations.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
Residential care facilities must implement comprehensive climate adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, chronically ill) from physical climate risks. A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment must be conducted in line with Appendix A, using projections under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, with particular focus on heat stress, flooding, and air quality degradation.
The facility must implement adaptation measures including passive cooling systems and mechanical cooling backup to maintain indoor temperatures below 26 degrees Celsius during heat waves, flood protection for ground-level facilities, emergency power supply for at least 72 hours, air filtration for wildfire smoke events, and climate-informed evacuation and shelter-in-place plans. Staff must receive annual training on climate emergency protocols.
The adaptation plan must be reviewed and updated at least every five years, incorporating the latest climate projections and lessons learned from climate events. The facility must participate in local or regional health-sector climate adaptation networks.
DNSH: Climate Change Mitigation
The facility must not increase its GHG emissions as a result of adaptation measures. Energy consumption must be tracked and reported. Adaptation investments must prioritise low-carbon solutions, with buildings meeting at least the minimum energy performance requirements of the EPBD.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Water consumption must be managed efficiently, with leak detection and water-saving fixtures. The facility must not abstract water from stressed sources. Wastewater must be discharged in compliance with relevant permits.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Building renovation and adaptation works must achieve at least 70% recycling of non-hazardous construction waste. Medical and care-related waste must be segregated and managed according to the waste hierarchy where safe to do so.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The facility must manage pharmaceutical waste, cleaning chemicals, and medical waste in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Indoor air quality must be maintained to protect resident health. Construction and renovation works must control dust and noise exposure.