3 November 2023
By Hannah Wilcox
The Northern Sydney Local Health District has committed to net zero emissions by 2035.
Research by design service ARUP, in collaboration with NSLHD, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the NSW Office of Energy & Climate Change, found the Healthcare sector has one of the largest carbon footprints in Australia – accounting for seven percent of the country’s emissions.
ARUP recommended ‘decarbonising operations’ across the board, including switches to sustainable procurement, clean energy, green transport, energy efficiency, delivery of care, resource recovery and circular economy, sustainable water practices and governance structures.
Carbon emissions for NSLHD peaked during COVID19, producing over 200 kilo-tonnes in 2021.
Current emissions for the health agency sit around 150 kilo-tonnes of Co2 emitted this year.
With strong decarbonisation strategies in place, ARUP projected an 80 percent decrease to under 20 kilo-tonnes produced this year – with a target of zero by 2035.
The interventions were split into three time periods: now, next and future.
Air travel, electrification, reducing medical gas leaks and introducing on-site renewables were identified as the most cost-effective easy-to-implement short time solutions.
“This work provides the foundation for our organisation to quantify and reduce our carbon footprint,” NSLHD Executive Director Paul Klarenaar said.
“The recommendations and pathway to net zero are challenging but practical and provide us with the blueprint to make a difference.”
SCHN Associate Director of Strategy Innovation & Planning Kathryn Asher agreed the recommendations will allow the sector to work towards net zero.
“The collaboration with NSW Treasury and Arup has enabled us to quantify our Network’s carbon footprint and develop a net zero pathway,” she said.
“This pathway will guide the challenging but vital work we need to do in order to pave the way to a sustainable future for children and young people.”