The NSW Government has committed to whole-of-government climate action to ensure a sustainable and fair future for the people, economy and environment of NSW.
The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 legislates emissions reduction targets for NSW, including a 50% reduction (based on 2005 levels) by 2030 and net zero by 2050. This legislation is now backed by comprehensive policies and requirements including the Net Zero Government Operations Policy and Climate- Related Financial Disclosures, led by NSW Treasury.
As Health Minister, I’m particularly supportive of these policies because many climate actions will have public health co-benefits: cleaner air, healthier diets, greener and cooler cities and more connected communities.
We know that health systems themselves use significant amounts of resources, produce vast amounts of waste and have large carbon footprints. Therefore, I’m delighted that NSW Health is taking such a strategic, active approach to reducing waste and emissions, whilst maintaining or improving our high standards of care.
This Net Zero Roadmap showcases much of the great work already underway across NSW Health, including shifting to renewable energy, decarbonising the fleet, reducing single-use plastics, developing modern, low carbon models of care and supporting innovative ways to deliver care whilst reducing travel emissions.
Based on carbon footprinting to date, the roadmap then sets out a strategic approach to addressing the NSW Government’s targets, in six priority areas.
NSW Health will continue to work in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and other Government agencies to report on its performance against the new policy each year to track progress.
I look forward to seeing NSW Health’s progress, as we all work together towards a modern, high quality health system, fit for purpose in a low carbon future.
The Hon Ryan Park MP
Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast.