Australian health institutions receive global awards for climate action
Thursday 12 January 2023
Five Australasian health institutions have been internationally applauded for their leadership on climate change within the health sector.
Ambulance Victoria, Hunter New England Local Health District, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, South Metropolitan Health Service and the Counties Manukau District Health Board have received awards in the Global 2022 Health Care Climate Challenge.
All five organisations are members of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network, coordinated regionally by the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA).
The Global Health Care Climate Challenge awards recognise health institutions which are world-leading in reducing their carbon footprint, preparing for climate impacts and educating staff and the public on how to protect public health from climate change.
“Health services contribute to 7% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud to see so many members of our Green and Healthy Hospitals network playing a leadership role in tackling climate change and boosting resilience in healthcare institutions and communities. These awards are a testament to the amazing work underway by dedicated individuals working to decarbonise the healthcare sector”.
Dr Stefanie Carino, Sustainable Healthcare Program Manager at CAHA
“This award is a tribute to the leadership shown by so many individuals and teams across our health service in driving action on sustainability. In particular the work done by our Green Theatre Groups to eliminate the use of desflurane from our theatres, and our Neonates team who have implemented a recycling process which sees more than 40,000 baby bottles diverted from landfill each year. This is for everyone at SMHS to celebrate as we continue to strive to protect the future health of our patients, environment and planet.”
Bridget Egan, South Metropolitan Health Service
“Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is honoured to receive this award that recognises the work done by our dedicated staff across our District and community. Through strong connections with councils, universities, other departments in health and government, we have achieved a sharing and collaborative attitude towards Climate Resilience and Sustainable Healthcare.”
Luke Bellman, Sustainability Committee Chair and Finance Director, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Media contact: Remy Shergill, [email protected], 0423 075 895
