For Senior Director Asset Management Services, Nigel Hoy, sustainability is about delivering practical changes that make a lasting difference across Gold Coast Health.
From expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure and transitioning towards renewable electricity, to reducing energy consumption through lighting upgrades such as Light Emitting Diode (LED), Asset Management Services is leading a range of initiatives focused on reducing emissions and building a more resilient health service.
Gold Coast Health is highlighting some of the work underway through our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) to mark World Environment Day (June 5), which this year focuses on climate action and the global response to climate change.
Nigel said one of the challenges in Gold Coast Health’s sustainability journey has been identifying funding opportunities that support meaningful, long-term outcomes for both the environment and frontline operations.
“We’re focused on implementing initiatives that are practical, scalable and support the long-term resilience of the health service,” Nigel said.
Through our ESAP, Gold Coast Health has progressively expanded LED lighting replacement programs across facilities to reduce electricity consumption, while smaller sites across the health service are now powered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Asset Management Services is also driving the rollout of the EV fleet strategy, which includes EV charging infrastructure at sites such as Robina Hospital and Carrara Health Centre.
More than one in five Gold Coast Health QFleet vehicles are now electric, marking another step forward in the health service’s sustainability journey.
Fleet Manager David Howe said one of the most rewarding aspects of the work had been seeing how sustainability initiatives also strengthen operational resilience.
“The shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles isn’t just about reducing emissions – it’s also helping improve resilience across the organisation, particularly given recent fuel challenges,” David said.
Our ESAP also includes actions focused on waste reduction, sustainable procurement, water conservation and embedding sustainability principles into future infrastructure planning and service delivery.
For Nigel, reducing reliance on plastics and single-use items is an area where everyone can make a meaningful contribution.
“Plastics and single-use items are a real challenge,” Nigel added.
“We all have influence over how we buy, use and dispose of consumables both at work and at home.
“It’s a fact we are running out of landfill, so we need to continue exploring alternatives and learning from approaches being implemented elsewhere around the world.”
To learn more about Gold Coast Health’s sustainability priorities and actions, view our Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2023-2033.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure at Robina Hospital.
Electric vehicle charging stations at Carrara Health Centre.
