Carbon Neutral Action Report: Achieving sustainable health care

We are pleased to announce that for the third year in a row, VCH has claimed carbon neutrality

According to Peter Goldthorpe, VP Capital Projects, Real Estate & Facilities Lower Mainland Facilities Management: “There is much evidence linking environmentally sustainable behaviours to health communities and ultimately to the health of the individuals we serve. As a provider of health services for the citizens of British Columbia…but also a material contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, we must demonstrate leadership and continually seek ways to reduce our ecological footprint to improve population health. In other words, we must practice what we preach. To this end, our Energy & Environmental Sustainability team has created a strong vision for reducing the health sector’s environmental impact. The 2012 Carbon Neutral Action Report highlights many of the initiatives that are currently underway to accomplish this goal.”

Vancouver Coastal Health: CNAR 

Each year Vancouver Coastal Health submits a Carbon Neutral Action Report (CNAR) to the Climate Action Secretariat of the BC government. This report documents PHC’s greenhouse gas emissions and the current and planned actions to further reduce GHG emissions in the future.

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

The Energy & Environmental Sustainability (EES) group ensures greater strategic direction and develops initiatives that advance the commitment to reduce GHG emissions and prioritize environmental sustainability within healthcare.

 2012 Highlights from Vancouver Coastal Health:

• Vancouver Coastal Health took strides to reduce its carbon footprint.
• VCH implemented a recycling and renewal program at 13 acute care and residential sites since 2010.
• A GreenCare initiative promoted greener commuting: during May of 2012, VCH staff increased their green commuting through the Clean Commuter Campaign with 249 individual goals made.
• Redesign of the BCGreenCare.ca site, launched in 2011. Engaging 1325 VCH staff in conservation and sustainability action.

Please join us in the quest to transform health care into a more environmentally-responsible sector focused on both human and environmental health. Please take a moment to check out our vision at the GreenCare Community website. We welcome your feedback and your active participation!

The report

To see the entire 2012 Carbon Neutral Action Report, click here.

More info:

To find out more about the Carbon Neutral Action Reports, log on to the BCGreenCare.ca site and read each Health Authorities report online.