Cleaner air for healthier living in your care home

Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for residents is at the heart of every care home’s mission and that begins with the air they breathe. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to poor air quality, which can worsen respiratory conditions, increase susceptibility to illness, and diminish overall wellbeing. By monitoring and improving indoor and outdoor air quality, you can help provide a healthier, more comfortable environment for your residents and staff alike.

Care Quality Commission’s requirements

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It ensures services like hospitals, GP practices, care homes, and community care are safe, effective, and high-quality. The CQC inspects services, publishes ratings, and takes action when needed, aiming to drive improvement and protect people's wellbeing.

As part of its Single Assessment Framework, the CQC introduced a quality statement on environmental sustainability, highlighting the link between healthcare and environmental impact. Care homes must have a Green Plan. Including modelled air quality data helps demonstrate efforts to create a healthier environment.

Introducing the Virtual Zephyr by EarthSense

The Virtual Zephyr is a cutting-edge air quality monitoring service developed by EarthSense, designed to give you accurate, real-time insights into pollution levels around your care home. The Virtual Zephyr captures modelled NO2, PM2.5, SO2 and O3 alongside weather information. Powered by an advanced air quality model which uses highly accurate modelled data, the Virtual Zephyr allows you to:

• monitor daily air quality trends  
• make informed decisions on ventilation, cleaning schedules, and outdoor activity planning  
• ensure regulatory compliance and demonstrate your commitment to resident wellbeing  

No physical sensors required just clear, actionable data at your fingertips.

Note: when using Virtual Zephyrs certain dynamic emissions, such as temporary traffic incidents, certain industrial emissions or highly localised events – may not be accurately captured by the modelling.

Simple steps to improve air quality in your care home

Even small changes can lead to big improvements. Here are a few practical ways to enhance the air quality in and around your facility:

Travel and transport 

• Encourage staff and visitors to use public transport, cycling, or car-sharing.   
• Switch to electric or low-emission vehicles for care home transport.   
• Use appropriately sized vehicles for the number of residents who need to travel for care home transport 
• Reduce idling: ensure vehicles switch off engines when stationary in the car park.   
• Use local suppliers to minimise delivery emissions.   

Medical practices 

• Use dry powder inhalers (DPIs) where possible rather than metered-dose inhalers with spacers or nebulisers. 
• Store and dispose of medicines properly to prevent harmful chemical emissions – never flush unused medicines down toilets or pour them into sinks
• Regularly maintain and clean oxygen and ventilation equipment. 

Indoor air quality

• Use air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in high-risk areas (resident rooms and communal living areas).
• Ventilate regularly: Open windows during low-traffic hours or install mechanical ventilation systems to reduce indoor pollutant buildup.  
• Choose low-emission cleaning products (eco-friendly, fragrance-free, low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)).  
• Avoid aerosols and air fresheners—use natural alternatives.   
• Ensure extractor fans are clean and functioning in kitchens and bathrooms.   
• Minimise indoor smoking/vaping areas—implement strict policies.   
• Minimise cooking emissions through avoiding overheating oils and fats and opt for cooking methods that produce fewer emissions such as baking and steaming.
• Avoid using gas for cooking, where possible, and consider electric or induction appliances (e.g. hobs).
• Ensure residents and staff smoke well away from the building, windows, doors, and vents to prevent smoke from entering indoor areas.

Heating and energy use 

• Upgrade to energy-efficient boilers and heating systems.
• Maintain Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems: Regular filter changes and maintenance help reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants.
• Improve insulation to reduce the need for excessive heating. 

Laundry and cleaning 

• Avoid tumble dryers where possible opt for drying racks in well-ventilated spaces.
• Avoid harmful cleaning products: Choose low-VOC or eco-friendly cleaning supplies.  

Decorating 

• Use low VOC paints when decorating or renovating  

Waste

• Dispose and store waste and recycling appropriately in designated bins. Ensure bins are stored securely and away from ventilation intakes.

Get in touch

For questions, support, or to request a Virtual Zephyr, send an email to airqualityfeedback@birmingham.gov.uk

Let’s work together to make the air in your care home as safe and healthy as the care you provide.