Creating a more sustainable future

Shepparton Private Hospital has stepped up its commitment to protecting the environment with the opening of a new sustainable energy system.

The Goulburn Valley facility in rural Victoria has unveiled a solar panel network that will save hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

The 318kilowatt system will save more than437tonnes of CO2 and 1.414gigajoules of energy annually.

"Saving more than 6,300 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime, this system is the equivalent of taking 105 cars off the road," Shepparton Private Hospital CEO Rhys Jones said.

"Installing solar panels is just the latest in a list of practical actions we've taken to protect the environment and create a more sustainable hospital for the future."

The hospital has also recently switched to 'greenertheatres'.

Its anaesthetists havealmost completelystopped using desflurane, which reportedly has more than 20 times the global-warming potential of alternative gases.

Instead, they are usingthe more environmentally-friendly gas sevofluranewhen preparing patients for surgery.

"We've managed to almost completely cut out the use of desflurane, switching to alternatives with a much lower carbon cost," Mr Jones said.

Shepparton Private Hospital is also supporting the goal of parent company Ramsay Health Care toremove75million single-use plastic itemsfrom its nationwide sitesbefore the end of 2023.

Australia's largest private hospitals operator is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Its sustainability strategy aims to create stronger, healthier communities byswitching to renewable energy sources and maximising efficiency, cuttingwasteand boosting recycling, embedding sustainable design in new facilities and upgrades, and engaging with suppliers to reduce supply chain emissions.

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