Cedar Lodge, located in Whitchurch-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, was developed by Zephyr X and is operated by EQ Care Group.

It is the first care home in the country to receive certification under the international sustainability standard, which is backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Adam Faulkner, founder of Zephyr X and EQ Care Group, said: “Achieving EDGE certification at Cedar Lodge is a hugely significant milestone, not just for Zephyr X but for the UK care home sector as a whole.

“Everyone at Zephyr X and EQ Care Group is committed to delivering high-quality, future-focused care environments that prioritise both resident wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

“We are incredibly proud to be leading the way in setting new sustainability standards for the industry.”

The EDGE Advanced certification, issued by Sintali, recognises resource-efficient building design and marks a major step forward for sustainability in senior living.

Cedar Lodge is the first UK care home to be funded under Puma Property Finance’s Impact Lending Framework (ILF).

This framework links loan conditions to the achievement of independently verified sustainability targets, offering borrowers a reduced financing cost for meeting higher environmental standards.

Dee Korab, head of impact at Puma Property Finance, said: “We are delighted to see our first impact loan completed on such a fantastic development and would like to congratulate Zephyr X.

“Through our ILF, we agreed clear sustainability goals with Zephyr X meaning stronger environmental performance has been rewarded with a lower cost of capital.”

As part of the loan agreement, Cedar Lodge achieved a 42 per cent reduction in energy use, 20 per cent less water consumption, and 43 per cent lower embodied carbon in materials compared to a typical new build project.

The facility offers 45 ensuite bedrooms and includes communal spaces such as a lounge, café, hair salon, and a therapy room featuring the building’s original stained-glass windows.

Outdoor landscaped gardens provide a nature-rich environment for residents.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design.

Utopi smart sensors in each room monitor CO₂, humidity, oxygen quality, and noise.

A real-time building management system allows staff to adjust room conditions through a mobile app.

Zephyr X and EQ Care Group specialise in innovative care developments, working with local authorities and Integrated Care Boards to expand high-quality care provision in underserved areas.

They say that Cedar Lodge is a flagship example of their commitment to combining environmental performance with resident wellbeing.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes has donated £500 to the Stanford in the Vale Millennium Green Trust to fund the new picnic table, designed to enhance the public green space in the heart of the village.

Millennium Greens are community-owned areas created around the year 2000 to provide informal recreation and leisure spaces for people of all ages.

Mark Isaacs, chairman of the Stanford in the Vale Millennium Green Trust, said: “We are most grateful for this donation towards a new picnic bench.

“Our Millennium Green is one of the precious green spaces in the heart of our community and help is always welcome as we have very limited funds available to us.”

The donation is part of Barratt Homes’ support for areas around its nearby River Meadow development.

Campbell Gregg, managing director at Barratt Homes Southern, said: “We’re delighted to support the Stanford in the Vale Millennium Green Trust with this donation towards a new picnic table.

“The Green is a much-loved space that brings the community together, offering a place to relax, enjoy the outdoors and connect with neighbours.

“We are proud to be building homes nearby at River Meadow and to play a part in supporting local projects that make the area even more special.”

The Stanford in the Vale Millennium Green is located close to the village hall, primary school, and local shops.

It is used regularly by families, walkers, and for community gatherings.

Earlier in 2026, the business announced all but three of its 36 stores were at risk as they had not been bought in a rescue deal.

Next snapped up the luxury footwear business from administration in a rescue deal, but the future of most of the brand’s stores and 440 staff remained uncertain.

Closing down signs then appeared at the Oxford-based Russell & Bromley store, with customers warned of the expected closure.

READ MORE: Claire’s closing this weekend for good after administration collapse

The empty Russell & Bromley store in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

Now, the Westgate shop has been left completely empty this week with its shelves bare after its closure.

The unit, which can be found on the bottom floor of the retail location near John Lewis, now only has a paper notice on the door as a reminder alongside the Russell & Bromley signs.

“This store is now closed,” read the notice.

“Find your nearest store,” it added along with Next’s website link.

READ MORE: UK fashion giants’ stock vanishes as stores close amid administration

The notice at Russell & Bromley in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

Would-be shoppers had recently been told that neither gift cards nor loyalty points would be accepted in the future.

A statement last month said: “While the previous operator has ceased trading, the Russell & Bromley brand will be operated by Next in the near future.”

The Next website at the time added: “These can no longer be used and we will not be able to honour these. For any queries about these, please contact the Administrators.”