Natural light, green spaces, solar panels, waste reduction and recycling were some of the top issues for staff at a recent sustainability workshop.

The workshop looked at case studies from local and international hospitals, and best practice ideas to make the new facilities more sustainable both environmentally and socially.

“Most people think of waste reduction and solar panels when they think of sustainability, but there are a range of other considerations as well,” Health Infrastructure Sustainability Manager Sarah Moore said.

“We also look at the long-term or ‘whole of life’ costs of the facilities we’re building, and how we can design for greater digitisation or to improve waste streams.

“For instance, we might select a more expensive building product which is significantly cheaper to maintain in the long term.

"Those savings can make a big difference for a hospital which will last for decades.”

Sarah said initiatives like making hospital more welcoming can also have significant benefits.

“Making sure there’s natural light, access to green spaces, shade and social areas is important for promoting well-being, and that's an important factor in creating resilient communities and promoting social sustainability," she said.

The local health district's recent sustainability initiatives, such as reducing operating theatre waste, have also been hugely successful.

The project team hopes to build on these successes to creating new facilities that support best practice, and are highly efficient and resilient to climate change. 

More information will be provided as the project progresses.