Environmental Sustainability Competitions: Engaging healthcare staff in sustainable and financially beneficial initiatives

Abstract

Clinical care is a major source of healthcare’s greenhouse gases. Health service professionals have a role in reducing this impact through adopting low-carbon models of care and addressing low-value care. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of an environmental sustainability competition in engaging staff to lead sustainable and financially beneficial quality improvement projects.  

In 2022, the Royal Melbourne Hospital launched an environmental sustainability competition open to all staff. In 2023, it expanded to include Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Women’s Hospital, with resources and support from the University of Melbourne. Participant surveys provided feedback and assessed the value of provided resources.

In 2022, 13 projects prevented 2.5 million kg CO₂ equivalent emissions (CO2e) and diverted 250,000 items from landfill, with an added financial benefit of approximately $500,000. In 2023, 17 projects resulted in preventing 140,000 kg CO₂e, emissions and 3,000 kg of waste, while saving $160,000. Sustained 2022 projects resulted in a cumulative savings of $800,000. Participants valued the resources and were motivated to continue initiatives but suggested formal sustainability education to enhance future projects.

Competitions effectively engaged staff in sustainable healthcare, yielding significant environmental and financial savings. Enhanced resources and education may further improve engagement and outcomes.