Oxfordshire care home wins green building certification

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.