Local net zero plans

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ On this page

1. Before creating your net zero plan
1. Create a sustainability taskforce
2. Review key resources
3. Set up meetings
4. Support interested staff
5. Understand current emissions
2. How to create your net zero plan​
1. Guides and sample plans
2. Key initiatives from other plans​

Before creating your net zero plan

Each organisation within NSW Health is at a different stage in their net zero transition. If your organisation is just getting started, we've collated some suggested steps to get you going on your net zero journey with us. 

Create a sustainability taskforce

The Climate Risk and Net Zero Unit (CRNZU) within the Ministry of Health recommend Chief Executives create a sustainability taskforce to drive their localised net zero response. The taskforce should comprise of a:

• taskforce leader
  
• Sustainability Officer: see job descriptions for this position from South East Sydney LHD and Northern NSW LHD​​
  
• executive sponsor
  
• clinical lead(s).
  

Once the taskforce is established, it's strongly recommended they join the NSW Health Sustainability Network​​. 

​Review key resources

It's important to review key resources to understand the environmental impacts of healthcare, carbon hotspots and best practice in decarbonising healthcare.​

Set up meetings

Implement recurring sessions with the taskforce and other key stakeholders to provide an appropriate forum to share updates.  

​Support interested staff

Identify and support staff who are interested in sustainability and looking for opportunities where they can make a positive impact. 

We facilitate training for a number of courses​ provided by external organisations for staff to further advance their knowledge of sustainability within a health context. 

Clinical staff who'd like to be involved in their health organisations local net zero response should also connect with the system-wide net zero lead​ for their respective clinical area to share ideas and suggestions. ​

​Understand current emissions

​Estimate the current emissions of your health organisation by using key resources​ that have been compiled on the topic. As a general guide, the NHS have developed a breakdown of their emissions which is a useful starting point for health organisations looking to get a sense of their emissions. 

For more advice and guidance when estimating emissions, please email the CRNZU. 

How to create your net zero plan

​It's important to create a written plan outlining carbon hotspots that have been identified​ in your organisation, initiatives to be implemented in each area and the stakeholders responsible for the planning, implementation and measurement of each initiative.

Guides and sample plans

​The CRNZU does not mandate a specific template to be used when health organisations are creating a net zero plan to account for flexibility and customisation. However, health organisations can view useful guides and samples to provide inspiration when formulating their own net zero plan:

• NHS: How to produce a Green Plan​​
  
• NHS: Royal Berkshire's Green Plan​​​
  
• NSW Health: South Eastern Sydney LHD Environmental Sustainability Plan​
  
• NSW Health: Northern Sydney LHD Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027​​​
  
• NSW Health: Western NSW LHD Environmental Sustainability Strategy
• NSW Health: Hunter New England LHD Sustainable Healthcare - Together Towards Zero 2030​​​
  
• Mercy Health: Caring for people and planet​​​
  
• Queensland Health: Climate Risk Strategy​​.
  

​Key initiatives from other plans

Some common ways to save money and carbon that could be incorporated into any local plan include:

• installing ​solar panels​
  
• purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles
  
• reducing single-use items and plastic
  
• reducing the use of desfluran​e in Anaesthetic Departments
  
• eliminating unnecessary tests and procedures
  
• reduce business travel
• offer telehealth where appropriate
  
• implement more preventative strategies to reduce patient admissions.