David Walker, Executive Director, Sustainable Assets and Infrastructure
We are halfway through our five-year Green Metro North Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 and on our way to achieve our net-zero targets.
Our initial focus was to establish resources, set targets and plan initiatives ahead of the ambitious transition to more sustainable waste, energy and transport infrastructure.
Along the way some 50 waste initiatives have been rolled out. We continue to speed ahead in our electric vehicle transition and are on track to have almost 100 fleet vehicles on the road or on order by the end of this year which will be supported by 118 charging bays already commissioned. Plus we released the Sustainable Design Guidelines.
Stage one of the solar PV rollout is complete with all eight sites connected to grid generating onsite power, offsetting energy use and reducing emissions. Stage two for the three Satellite Hospitals, plus Rosemount and Brighton, including solar hot water at the Brighton campus is progressing.
An Urban Greening Plan is in development to contribute to flood resilience and climate resilience whilst providing greener, more welcoming wellbeing spaces for patients, staff, visitors and First Nations people, and will support the Sustainable Design Guidelines and Water Implementation Plan.
Site assessments have been completed across RBWH, TPCH, Redcliffe, Brighton, Caboolture and Rosemount campuses to look at how to increase green cover and shade, reduce garden maintenance, utilise rainwater for passive irrigation and increase biodiversity. Work has commenced on the first project to evolve from this initiative to co-develop an Indigenous Healing Garden as part of the RBWH Reconciliation Plan.
We are working on a Decarbonisation Pathway for Dolphin House for it to become our first net zero building. This pilot involves retrofitting and upgrades to the building and will inform the roadmap for our other buildings.
Engagement with key clinical stakeholders in the sustainability sector has been ongoing to contribute to our plans for establishing a clinical sustainability working group and framework for Metro North.
Combined, this range of work will ensure our places and people are part of a more sustainable and resilient healthcare future.
David.