Monash Health is committed to mitigating our contributions to global warming and work towards adapting to new environmental conditions. We know that climate impacts are already being felt and there is great optimism about the opportunities rapid action will provide.
Today we are pleased to launch our first Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan.
The development of the Strategy and Action Plan has been led by Monash Health’s Sustainability Steering Committee and has evolved through consultation with experts in environmental management, as well as our employees and our partners. Both documents have been endorsed by Monash Health’s Board and leadership.
Our Sustainability Strategy 2022–2025 sets out our commitment and goals for sustainability at Monash Health. This document will showcase to our patients, community and partners, our commitment towards sustainability.
The supporting Sustainability Action Plan 2021–2026 continues to set consistent direction and guidance for environmental planning and decision-making at Monash Health.
Together, they provide a clear and common direction for us to work towards and ensure we remain on track to achieve our sustainability goals and continue to build and operate a more sustainable health service. Everyone has a role to play in delivering a more sustainable health service and every contribution counts towards our carbon reduction targets.
Six key areas of focus and actions for sustainability at Monash Health include:
- Waste management – diversion of organic waste to composting, improving recycling schemes and implementing the single use plastics ban, driven by new environmental legislation.
- Procurement – reducing product packaging and single use plastics, while working with our suppliers to minimise emissions from supply chains.
- Buildings and infrastructure – focus on building climate-resilient infrastructure, powered by renewable energy and sourcing recycled water.
- Energy efficiency and emissions – Monash Health to be carbon neutral by 2030.
- Transport and travel – target of 25% of fleet cars are zero emission vehicles, assessing opportunities for more sustainable transport modes for our staff and patients and community.
- Organisational culture – build strong governance to manage risks and opportunities, while engaging our employees and community to create a culture of sustainability.
While our Sustainability Action Plan will remain a key resource for our teams internally, our Sustainability Strategy is now available externally via the Monash Health publications page. Contact Karla Vaughan, Sustainability Specialist via email if you have any questions about the plan.
Join us at today’s Employee Forum, where Karla will officially launch the strategy and action plan, discuss the importance of Monash Health’s commitment to sustainability, and what this means for employees and teams moving forward, and how we can all continue to make a difference.
Approved by Lisa Evans.