Community and Oral Health (COH) is anticipated to become the lead directorate in Metro North Health (MN) for renewable solar energy.
Green Metro North and Infrastructure Planning and Capital Projects Project Officer Drew Button said COH would be the initial beneficiary of Metro North Health’s commitment to improve sustainability and reduce emissions with renewable solar energy installed at many of its facilities.
“Renewable energy such as solar photovoltaics (PV) is crucial to reducing our carbon footprint and increasing the climate change resilience of our facilities,” he said.
“Queensland Health (QH) contributes around 50 per cent of the state government’s total generated CO2 emissions – with MN being the largest Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and biggest contributor.
“As a result, MN has made a commitment to become a leader in sustainability in healthcare and renewables, such as solar PV, which are key to delivering energy and emission reductions.”
In the coming year, following an open tender process, MN is aiming to install solar PV systems at seven COH sites (and Kilcoy Hospital):
- Nundah Community Health Centre
- Pine Rivers Community Health Centre
- Aspley Community Health Centre
- North West Community Health Centre
- Halwyn Centre
- North Lakes Health Precinct
- 19th Avenue Brighton.
Drew said it was estimated that MN savings would be one million+ kWh and over 823 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, with significant reduction in COH energy bills.
The solar upgrade will be funded from the QH Emission Reduction Fund that was set up in response to the QH Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Plan – 10-year plan (2020-2030).
Drew said solar PV integration was a vital focus area in MNH’s Sustainable Design Guidelines and was also identified in the Green Metro North – Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026, where energy was one of the six key focus areas.
“These pillars also include waste, water, transport, food and procurement,” he said. “The introduction of solar PV also aligns with MN Sustainable Design Guidelines that states solar PV is to be maximised throughout our buildings and facilities.”
The renewable energy upgrades will contribute to the efforts needed to combat climate change, increase energy security and improve the sustainability of the MN healthcare system.