Our Environment

Energy Efficiency

NHW acknowledges the need to be energy efficient. In line with the Victorian Government's commitment to pursuing a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within Victoria, NHW is committed to cooperating with government to reduce energy consumption by 15% by the end of the 2005/06 financial year.

Recognition of NHW's commitment to energy reduction is evidenced by:

Active participation in the Commonwealth Government's Greenhose Challenge
Thermostatic control of linen service washing water usilising steam as the heating medium, redirecting condensate to a flash steam unit and utilising steam as the primary heating medium for laundry dryers. This initiative was awarded a Sustainable Energy Authority Energy Smart Award and a $25,000 grant to meet the cost of installation and commission of this energy saving initiative.
Participation in the Hospital Energy Reduction Opportunities Study (HEROS) sponsored by the Department of Human Services.
Participation in two energy benchmark studies conducted by the CSIRO in association with the Department of Human Services.
Along with several energy saving strategies adopted from HEROS and inhouse initiatives considerable inroads have made in gas and electricity consumption reduction.

Waste Management

NHW accepts corporate responsibility to effectively manage all clinical, biohazardous, general wastes and recycling.

All waste is categorised and streamed so as not to mix clinical and general waste and recyclable products. Collection and disposal is by means of contracted services and in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority legislative requirements.

NHW is recognised as a lead health agency relative to waste management practices through active participation in Victorian Government sponsored waste management and recycling education and benchmarking programs. Evidence of this recognition is through the receipt of several industry awards which include:

2004 NevRwaste Eco recycle Waste Wise Community Program 2 year accreditation
2004 Victorian State Finalist- Keep Australia Beautiful waste wise resource management
2004 Waste Reduction Management Program for Clean Up Australia. For significant progress and demonstrated commitment to recycling.