David Walker, Executive Director, Sustainable Assets and Infrastructure
We are committed to making our health service greener for our staff, our patients, and our communities by making positive change to help us meet the Queensland Government’s emissions reduction targets and become net zero by 2050.
The healthcare sector is a heavy carbon emitter and accounts for about 4.4 per cent of global emissions. In Australia, it’s higher – 7 per cent. As a sector, we can do better and I want Metro North to be the sustainability leader in healthcare. Since our sustainability strategy was endorsed in 2021, we have been transitioning our facilities and how we run our health service to be more sustainable. We have achieved a couple of firsts, including the release of the Green Metro North’s Sustainable Guidelines to guide planning, design and construction of our hospitals and facilities, plus we introduced Queensland Health’s first zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) and are tracking towards 100% passenger ZEVs by 2026.
We can all help reduce our carbon footprint through measures to reduce emissions from our hospitals and vehicles, better use of our energy, and divert consumables going to landfill. As a health service we are good when it comes to waste management and recycling, however we need to be more conscious to reduce single-use items. Ideas big or small can make a difference. TPCH’s Arjo case study is a great example how single-use items can be eliminated and without compromising our quality of healthcare.
We can become more energy efficient as we increase our solar PV generation and measure and monitor our energy usage. A project being trialled at RBWH will look at how we can improve heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration efficiency by analysing data using real-time systems and digitising building control management systems.
Visit the Green Metro North QHEPS site. Here, you have access to information, news and success stories about how our strategies, teams and staff are making a difference for a healthier and more sustainable future. Staff can also get involved by joining their local Green Team.
David.