Barwon Health win sustainability award

BARWON Health’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilient health systems landed them with top honours at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

Last month, the Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership (B-REP) of Barwon Water, Barwon Health and GeelongPort was acknowledged for taking a big step towards using 100 per cent renewable electricity and producing net zero emissions.

In late 2022, the three organisations entered a ten-year power purchase agreement with ACCIONA’s Mount Gellibrand Wind Farm near Birregurra for the provision of a total of 68 gigawatt hours a year of renewable electricity.

Barwon Health receives 15 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, reducing its total greenhouse gas emissions by around 70 per cent or by 14,700 tonnes per year.

Barwon Health chief executive officer, Frances Diver said the award was fantastic recognition of an innovative way the public sector is collaborating to support renewable energy.

“Hospitals and health services consume a large amount of energy, and we believe agreements like this can significantly reduce carbon footprints and help our communities become more sustainable and healthier.

“At Barwon Health, we recognise climate change is an issue that demands action and there is a direct link between the wellbeing of our environment and the health of Victorians, especially those who are most vulnerable.

“We’re proud to partner with Barwon Water and GeelongPort on this long-term arrangement, and we thank the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for recognising the significance of this partnership.”

Barwon Health was also recognised at the awards event with a nomination for an innovative paediatric audiology initiative for Aboriginal infants in the Geelong region, in partnership with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.