Green Checklist

Climate change and healthcare

Climate change is now affecting our environment and our health. We are seeing more fires, floods, storms, droughts and heat waves. But together we can make a difference - by taking actions to reduce the impacts of climate change and ensure a healthy future for our community.

All organisations can play a key leadership role in improving sustainability within the human services sector. To support you in this process, CESPHN has developed the Green Checklist, a self-audit tool that provides an environmental assessment of your workplace.

The first step - The Green Checklist

The Green Checklist recognises your sustainability achievements and offers guidance on improving your organisation’s eco-friendly practices to support the well-being of your organisation, your patients and the broader community.

The checklist will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please tick all actions that apply to your practice. Answer ‘not yet started’ will give you 0 points, ‘partially achieved’ 1 point, and ‘completed’ 2 points.

At the end of the checklist, you will be given a total score indicating your progress on your sustainability journey.

About you

Organisation Name:

What is the postcode of your organisation?

What type of organisation do you work at?

What is your role at the organisation?

Email Address:

Waste Management

Does your organisation reduce, reuse and recycle waste?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Recycling bins are provided for the following waste: paper and cardboard, cans and bottles, soft plastics, glass.
Waste bins are clearly labelled (e.g. clinical, non-clinical, paper and recycling) to ensure bins aren’t contaminated with non‑recyclable waste.
Staff are made aware of what can be recycled eg. posters of what can go in each bin.
Toner and ink cartridges are collected for refill or recycling.
Green waste or composting option available (e.g. FOGO bins).

Does your organisation have strategies to minimise e-waste

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
E‑waste is discarded responsibly by engaging a recycling company to collect various types of e‑waste or dropping off your e‑waste at organisations that offer recycling.

Helpful Resources

Planet Ark & RecycleMate

Does your organisation have strategies to reduce printing and use of paper?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Electronic records and electronic communications are consistently used in your organisation.
Where possible, digital service delivery and resources are used e.g. Telehealth, eReferrals, ePrescribing, secure messaging platform, online forms, digital pamphlets and brochures
Clinical and practice guidelines, resources and educational material are consistently accessed and viewed online rather than printing copies.

Helpful Resources

What is electronic prescribing?

Why you should implement secure messaging

CESPHN - Digital Health

Utilities

Does your organisation try to reduce water usage?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Water-efficient appliances and equipment are installed such as taps, showers, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, lavatory equipment.

Helpful Resources

Water Efficiency Tips

Does your organisation have strategies to reduce the demand on Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) systems?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Thermostats are set to comfortable conditions with reasonable energy efficiency; ie for winter 20–22°C and for summer 24–26°C.
Heating and cooling are turned off at night.
Other ways to reduce demand on HVAC have been implemented OR discussed with your building manager, for example: - improved building insulation - high-performance window glazing - natural ventilation - external window shading - appropriate window coverings - rooftop solar is installed

Does your organisation have ways to reduce energy usage of appliances and lighting?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
The energy rating of appliances has been reviewed, and energy efficiency is considered when purchasing appliances (such as refrigerators and dishwashers).
Timers or motion sensors are installed for lighting and other power outlets.
Appliances, e.g. computers, monitors, TVs, kettles, are turned off during holidays, closures or extended leave.

Helpful Resources

Tips to implement energy savings

Does your organisation source renewable energy?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Green Power is purchased for your organisation.

Helpful Resources

Find a Green Provider

Considerations in Service Provision

Does your organisation consider the environmental impact of prescribing and referring decisions?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Medical staff are conscious of reducing inappropriate prescription of medication, including unnecessary or over-prescription.
Staff follow established guidelines to reduce the unnecessary use of diagnostic tests (e.g. Choosing Wisely, HealthPathways).
’Green/nature-based’ supports are encouraged, such as walking groups, outdoors mindfulness, gardening, and therapeutic communities

Helpful Resources

The environmental impact of inhalers

Reducing the carbon footprint of inhalers

Does your organisation have ways to limit pharmaceutical wastage?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Pharmaceutical waste is appropriately disposed of and stock is monitored to limit waste.

Helpful Resources

Choosing Wisely

Operational Actions

Does your organisation incorporate sustainability into business operations?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Ecofriendly options are used where possible, e.g.: recycled paper, tissues, biodegradable items, cleaning supplies, avoid single use plastics
Your organisation purchases carbon offsets to achieve net zero emissions.
Environmental sustainability is embedded in your business plan.
Local products and Australian made products are purchased where possible.
Sustainable transport options are encouraged, e.g.: - supportive infrastructure (secure bike racks, showers, etc.) - assessing the business fleet of cars for lower emissions or electric options - providing on-site charging stations.

Helpful Resources

RACGP - Waste Management

Does your organisation promote sustainable action in the workplace?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Green team or climate champions are appointed to provide leadership on sustainability.
Sustainability education is supported eg: - including sustainability as a standing item at practice meetings - discussing green initiatives at employee orientations
A statement has been developed affirming your organisation's commitment to take action on climate change.

Helpful Resources

Supporting Sustainable Healthcare

Is your organisation prepared for climate-related and other disasters?

	Not yet started	Partially achieved	Completed	Not applicable
Your organisation has a disaster preparedness plan.
Your staff understand the health and wellbeing implications of climate change, e.g. heat stress and integrate heat safety planning.
Your organisation has procedures in place to manage health and wellbeing impacts from extreme weather events (heat, floods, bushfires), e.g. by providing information on your website or posters in your service sites/organisation.

Helpful Resources

RACGP - Environmental Sustainability in General Practice

Final scoring

Waste Management

Utilities

Prescribing and Testing

Operational Actions

Total Score

Badge Earned

Congratulations on completing the Green Checklist. Once you click 'Submit', you will be sent an email with your score and some resources you may find helpful to improve environmental sustainability in your organisation.

CESPHN is aware that organisation will be at different stages in this journey and that’s OK. We are encouraging all organisation to start the sustainability journey and we will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Every action you take will help make a difference.

Suggestions or feedback?