Sustainability Competition nominated for public healthcare award

A collaboration between the RMH, the Royal Women's Hospital, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne, the Health Service Environmental Sustainability Competition has been nominated in recognition of its work towards building a sustainable and climate-resilient health system.

The annual competition encourages staff to develop quality-improvement initiatives in their healthcare settings that:

• Improve quality of care
• Reduce emissions and waste
• Are financially viable
• Engage health organisations and staff

The competition is open to both clinical and non-clinical teams, empowering staff across all health service areas to improve environmental sustainability in health care.

In addition to the tailored support offered by their health service's Environmental Sustainability teams, entrants to the competition are also provided with education and training from University of Melbourne.

Since its inception in 2022, Sustainability Competition projects have saved 2.6 million kilograms (kg) of carbon, $800,000 in financial savings, 3,000kg of waste and kept 250,000 single-use items out of landfill – so far.

With health care contributing 7% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions, the Sustainability Competition is excited to continue expanding to other health services across Victoria, as well as nationally.

Congratulations to all involved on the nomination. Your work – and the work of every competition entrant so far – is a great achievement as we work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.