The annual Environmental Accountability Report (EAR) is a chance to monitor how health care is doing in our commitments to environmental stewardship.

Designed in an easy-to-read format, the report introduces you to the Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) team, the 10 environmental sustainability topic areas, as well as initiatives and projects, and a scorecard evaluating the targets and status of our sustainability goals.

How are we doing?

This report reflects the commitment of each of the Lower Mainland Health Organizations (LMHO) to environmental stewardship as established in their respective Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) policies.

The EAR is created by the Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) team, who are committed to ensuring the Lower Mainland Health Organizations take responsibility for their environmental impact; and support them in creating the healthiest facilities and processes for patients, staff, and our extended community.

Hot off the press!

This year, we’ve given the Environmental Accountability Report a visual refresh so that you can find and focus on the information that most interests you.

Whether you want to learn more about the EES team, or the GreenCare activities and programs, such as the Green+Leaders , or Recycling Renewal Program – we hope this report will give you the information you need, as well as report on the status of projects and initiatives.

As well, scroll through the pages and meet the EES team to find out what makes us believe in the work that we do.

Milestones highlighted

Did you know? It was back in 2007 that the term “GreenCare” was first created in VCH. A couple of years later, in 2009, the Green+Leaders program was created in PHSA. And then in 2011, the Sustainability Policies were adopted in VCH, PHSA, PHC and FH.

This report is intended to provide health care staff, key external partners, and the public at large with a clear understanding of the work, success, and challenges the health authorities are undertaking in order to achieve greater environmental stewardship.

A snapshot of the 2013 results!

• Energy use intensity has decreased in all of the Lower Mainland Health Organizations: FH: -6.3%; PHC: -4.0%; PHSA: -0.6%; VCH: -8.8%
• The Recycling Renewal Program was implemented in 57% of Health Authority owned sites by the end of 2013.
• Waste diversion rates (the amount of recyclables kept out of the landfill or incinerator) have continued to improve in all of the LMHAs, reaching as high as 43% in Providence Healthcare.
• Water consumption decreased by 8% in FHA, by 13% in PHC, and by 6% in VCH (compared to 2010 levels).
• Carbon emissions produced by the LMHAs were lower in 2013 than they were in 2012. They still showed small increases, compared to 2010 levels, due to growing populations and service demands. Lots of work to do!
• Green+Leaders implemented more than 370 campaigns in 2012/2013.

Read the EAR

Read the full report here .

Questions or comments

We would love to hear your response, comments and any questions that you have. Please leave a comment below.