BCH applauded for green mindset

BELLARINE Community Health’s (BCH) progress in climate-first initiatives has earned it recognition from a state government program.

BCH has been recognised for its commitment to climate and health action through the Victorian Government’s Workplace Achievement Program, in partnership with Cancer Council of Victoria.

BCH chief executive officer Garry Ellis said the organisation was thrilled to be rewarded for the work it is doing to be greener.

“We understand that climate change is already affecting our community and putting more stress on physical and mental health and safety,” Mr Ellis said.

“That’s why we are prioritising the need to adapt to climate change and take action to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The program provides a health and wellbeing framework that aims to assist workplaces and schools create a healthier environment.

The program also outlines targets schools and workplaces should aim for, such as increasing active travel, eating more plants, reducing waste, using less energy, connecting with nature and being climate ready.

In earning its special recognition, BCH has:

• conducted an energy audit of BCH sites, established an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group
• replaced individual staff bins with a centralised bin system to separate waste and improve recycling
• fitted timers to hydronic heaters,
• decommissioned a high energy using cool room
• installed an electric vehicle charger for free community use
• supported local primary schools with active transport activities
• and provided opportunities for young people to learn about sustainable food practices through the Youth Guerrilla Garden and Farm My School

“Our organisation is proud of the changes we have already made, and we are committed to continuous improvement in our endeavours to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to make our community a healthy place to live, now and into the future,” Mr Ellis said.

BCH says it will continue to work towards actions outlined in its Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.

This includes trialling sustainable medical supplies with clinical staff, changing to more environmentally friendly cleaning products, and seeking funding to install solar panels at other BCH sites.