Children’s Health Queensland’s Green Team has been acknowledged as a finalist in the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Excellence for ‘protecting our liveability and environment’.
The Green Team was formed in March 2020 to identify and implement environmentally sustainable initiatives to meet the targets set out in the Children’s Health Queensland Environmental Sustainability Plan 2021-2024.
The more than 200 members of the Green Team work together in a voluntary capacity, in addition to their regular healthcare and professional responsibilities.
To date, the Green Team’s initiatives have resulted in emission reductions, improved energy efficiency and significant waste reduction at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane.
Children’s Health Queensland diverted 44 per cent (491 tonnes) of its waste away from landfill in 2021/22, including more than 8,000 cans and bottles recycled through Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change.
The Green Team has also redirected 3.5 tonnes of rescued medical consumables and equipment to communities in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands in partnership with Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment.
Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey congratulated the Green Team on being recognised in the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Excellence
“At Children’s Health Queensland, we believe we have an obligation to do everything within our power to make positive and lasting change today to ensure a healthier tomorrow for children and young people.”
“Environmental sustainability is a natural extension of our organisational value of care – in order to ‘look after each other’ in a holistic way that delivers the best health outcomes now and into the future, we need to provide healthcare in a way that minimises environmental harm.”
“The Green Team has established Children’s Health Queensland as an international example for sustainable healthcare service. This nomination is recognition of our people’s persistence, passion, contribution and collaboration.