Our vision ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health becomes a ‘leading modern, high-quality, low- carbon and climate resilient health system by focusing on quality, value, innovation and equity.’
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health becomes a ‘leading modern, high-quality, low- carbon and climate resilient health system by focusing on quality, value, innovation and equity.’
The roadmap is informed by these four interlinked principles:
Grounded by deep Aboriginal knowledge about caring for Country and working in partnership with Aboriginal colleagues and communities on climate and health policy.
Climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable groups in our society, the same groups which also often have least capacity to adapt. Our climate risk response must take account of existing health disparities and optimise the health benefits of climate actions.
Commitment to apply the best available evidence, data and research about climate change and the scale and pace of the transition that is required to achieve a net zero, climate resilient health system.
The transition will require collaboration and partnerships with a range of internal and external partners including our staff, patients, families, community, all levels of government, non-government organisations, academia, research, industry, the private sector, and peak bodies, to ensure a healthy future.
The roadmap outlines six strategic priorities to achieve a high-quality, low-carbon, climate resilient healthcare system:
Transitioning to modern, high quality, low carbon models of care for our patients, guided by the principles of sustainable healthcare.
Supporting healthy people and places by decarbonising the design, construction, use and disposal of our buildings; and being stewards of our land and waters.
Improving air quality and health by using our natural resources (energy and water) in sustainable ways, including transitioning to clean renewable energy.
Reducing the environmental and financial costs of our supply chains, including the way we purchase goods and services, engage with our suppliers and drive circularity.
Improving air quality and health by reducing emissions from staff, patient and visitor travel. This includes shifting towards active modes of transport, electrifying our fleet (including ambulances), and exploring innovative ways to deliver care remotely.
The sustainable sourcing, production and provision of high quality, healthy food for patient healing and wellbeing, whilst minimising food waste
To enable action across the 6 priority areas, five cross-cutting ‘enablers’ have been identified:
Our vision is supported by five cross-cutting enablers. The information below showcases some initiatives already underway across the system
In 2024, Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) released its Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027, guiding the district's planetary health efforts for the next four years and its commitment to reach net zero by 2035 for the emissions it controls (scope 1 and 2), and net zero by 2050 for the emissions it can influence (scope 3).
To help achieve these goals, the district undertook an evidence-base project to calculate NSLHD’s baseline carbon emissions and map a pathway to net zero. The project was delivered by the NSLHD Planetary Health team in partnership with Arup Australia and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø DCCEEW.
In 2024, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health published an internal guidance paper for environmentally sustainable procurement, outlining best practices to align the existing ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health Procurement Policy to support environmentally responsible purchasing.
The guide is underpinned by principles such as supplier evaluation, life cycle analysis, local sourcing, materials and recycled content and green certifications. The paper addresses key challenges balancing cost with sustainability, managing complex supply chains, and overcoming supplier resistance, offering practical strategies to drive long-term value.
In 2023, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Ministry of Health introduced a new Environmental Sustainability Award category into the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health Awards.
The Environmental Sustainability Award recognises the achievements of our health system and workforce to reduce our environmental footprint, whilst continuing to deliver high quality healthcare and patient experience.
In 2023, Hunter New England LHD partnered with a local plastic recycler, Resourceful Living, to explore opportunities to divert single use plastic products from landfill and give them new life. The partnership with Resourceful Living, Muswellbrook Shire Council and The Melt resulted in the design and manufacture of the 2023 Hunter New England Local Health District Excellence Award trophies out of plastic waste generated from their renal dialysis units. The partnership resulting in 415kg of single use plastic being repurposed that would otherwise have been destined for landfill. The project saved 2230kg of CO2 emissions which is equal to driving 13360km in a standard car. Hunter New England LHD are working directly with suppliers to ensure that they are procuring well designed products that facilitate resource recovery and promote a circular economy.
In 2023 the Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund supported 17 frontline staff-led innovation projects that aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce our carbon footprint.
Hear from one of the Fund recipients, Derek Key, who shares his passion to help reduce our carbon footprint.
"I am very grateful to be a recipient of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund. This will support my work as part of the Net Zero Leads Program funded by the Climate Risk and Net Zero Unit. Developing carbon efficient processes will help us deliver efficient, effective and high value care. I believe that everyone has a role in environmental sustainability. It will require investment and change from all of us, but this is an opportunity to reflect on our personal and professional activities and make positive changes for the services we deliver and the communities we deliver services to."