Monash Health is proud to become a member of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH).
With over 1,650 members in more than 75 countries, GGHH is an international network of hospitals, healthcare facilities, health systems, and health organizations dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint and promoting public and environmental health.
Joining GGHH strengthens the commitment to our strategic principle, “To manage our resources wisely and sustainably to provide value for our community.” The move also closely aligns with Monash Health’s activated strategies and projects, including those outlined in the Sustainability Strategy 2022–2025 established last year, and the supporting Sustainability Action Plan 2021–2026.
Our Senior Sustainability Specialist, Karla Vaughan is confident that Monash Health’s membership with GGHH reflects our efforts in promoting greater sustainability and environmental health in the health sector, and a commitment to learn and apply best sustainability practices.
“Across Monash Health we have already completed a large number of environmental sustainability projects. This includes PVC plastics recycling programs, single-use metals recycling, sustainable transport planning, LED lighting replacement program and installation of solar panels at our Moorabbin Hospital.
“By joining the GGHH network, we are endorsing the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda: A comprehensive framework of ten interconnected goals designed to support hospitals and health systems around the world to achieve greater sustainability and to contribute to improved public and environmental health.”
The ten goals outlined in the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda targets:
- Leadership: Prioritise Environmental Health
- Chemicals: Substitute Harmful Chemicals with Safer Alternatives
- Waste: Reduce, Treat and Safely Dispose of Healthcare Waste
- Energy: Implement Energy Efficiency and Clean, Renewable Energy Generation
- Water: Reduce Hospital Water Consumption and Supply Potable Water
- Transportation: Improve Transportation Strategies for Patients and Staff
- Food: Purchase and Serve Sustainably Grown, Healthy Food
- Pharmaceuticals: Safely Manage and Dispose of Pharmaceuticals
- Buildings: Support Green and Healthy Hospital Design and Construction
- Purchasing: Buy Safer and More Sustainable Products and Materials
Keep an eye out for updates and improvements around Monash Health campuses as we work towards reducing our environmental footprint. Our Sustainability Action Plan will remain a key resource for our teams internally, together with our Sustainability Strategy which 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.
Approved by Lisa Evans (Executive Director, Office of the Chief Executive)