To mark World Environment Day on June 3, 2015, UnitingCare Health is pleased to announce it has joined Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH), a worldwide initiative that supports health care providers to green their operations.

 The network is composed of more than 480 hospitals, health systems and health organizations representing the interest of more than 12,500 hospitals and health centers from six continents that are committed to reducing their ecological footprint and promoting environmental health.

As a member of GGHH, we have endorsed the 10-point GGHH Agenda, which provides a framework to help healthcare providers achieve sustainability goals.

UnitingCare Health (UCH) will work on three of the GGHH goals – Leadership, Energy and Waste - to reduce our ecological footprint and to improve community and environmental health.

UCH Director of Mission Reverend Helen Dick, Chair of the UCH Environmental Committee, said adopting these goals and enhancing the sustainability of our operations is an important priority for UnitingCare Health.

 "Studies have shown a link between the environment and human health, and suggest that environmental factors may lead to chronic illnesses, " she said.

"We are excited to participate because we know that by reducing the environmental impact of our operating practices, we will be promoting the health and well-being of patients, staff and community members —inside and outside the facility’s walls.

"Plus, we believe that over the long term some of our operating costs will be reduced by greening our practices. UnitingCare Health’s membership with Global Green and Healthy Hospitals is aimed improving the overall health of the community, while reducing costs."

Visit Global Green and Healthy Hospitals website to learn more.

UnitingCare Health is also encouraging all staff to take a World Environment Day pledge to reduce their car usage and to drive cleaner and greener.