Sustainability at Burnside Hospital
At Burnside Hospital, we are committed to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for our patients, staff, and the wider community. Our vision for sustainability is grounded in responsible action, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.
We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to reduce our environmental impact — including our efforts in recycling, waste minimisation, and energy efficiency. These initiatives reflect our belief that quality healthcare goes hand in hand with caring for the environment.
We recognise that creating a sustainable healthcare environment means being mindful of the resources we use and the footprint we leave behind. That’s why we are working to:
By prioritising sustainability, Burnside Hospital is actively contributing to a greener, healthier, and more resilient future — for today’s patients and generations to come.
Data sourced from Burnside Hospital 2023/24 Annual Review
PVC Recycling Impact
We proudly contribute to the Baxter PVC Recycling Program, diverting high‑grade PVC waste that is then repurposed into items such as gumboots and playground matting.
Global Collaboration
Burnside Hospital is a proud member of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals network, leveraging international best practices to enhance local sustainability efforts.
Sustainability in Procurement
A Procurement Review Committee prioritises sustainability in supply contracts and equipment management, ensuring reduced costs and improved patient outcomes.
Employee Engagement
In 2024, Burnside Hospital hosted 12 staff engagement sessions focused on macro and micro sustainability initiatives, fostering awareness and participation among clinical and non‑clinical staff.
Industry Collaboration on Sustainability
Guided by the 2025 Sustainability and Climate Resilience Healthcare Module, the healthcare sector is focusing on reducing its environmental impact. Efforts include low‑emission and climate‑resilient care models introduced.
Future-Ready Staff Training
Sustainability topics are integrated into Burnside Hospital’s clinical advisory committee programs and educational programs, preparing teams for the rollout of sustainability‑focused healthcare standards.
Our ESG Working Group
The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Working Group at Burnside Hospital plays a key role in driving sustainable and responsible practices across our organisation. This multidisciplinary team brings together staff from a range of departments who are passionate about making a positive impact — environmentally, socially, and ethically.
The ESG Working Group is focused on:
- Environmental sustainability – supporting initiatives that reduce waste, improve energy and water efficiency, and lower our carbon footprint. We are actively aligning our efforts with the Draft Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience Healthcare Module developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) and are currently working to finalise a comprehensive policy to guide our future actions
- Social responsibility – promoting equity, wellbeing, cultural safety, inclusion, and strong community partnerships
- Good governance – embedding ethical decision-making, accountability, and transparency into everyday operations
Through collaboration and shared purpose, the ESG Working Group is helping shape a hospital that not only delivers excellent care today — but is actively building a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.
This group is also responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement, monitoring progress, and championing initiatives that contribute to long-term impact — for our people, our patients, and the planet.
Driving Positive Impact: Our ESG Commitment
We’re building a better future by embedding sustainability, community, and accountability into everything we do. Our ESG policy reflects our commitment to protecting the environment, supporting people, and leading with integrity.
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