Caring for our Planet

Caring for our planet

Protecting the environment for future generations is critical. We are focused on:

  1. Reducing greenhouse emissions and acting against climate change
  2. Reducing energy and water usage
  3. Reducing resources use, including single use plastics, whenever it is safe to do so
  4. Increasing recycling and reducing waste
  5. Working with our suppliers on more sustainable product choices.
Energy and water

We are focused on energy and water efficiency measures and identifying  opportunities to introduce more renewable energy in our operations and new developments.

Climate change action and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

We are undertaking a comprehensive review of climate risk to enable effective action on climate change and to take advantage of opportunities to support a transition to the low carbon economy.

Waste and recycling

We are seeking to improve recycling and to identify more opportunities to reduce single-use plastics where it is safe to.

Our Ramsay Cares targets

  1. Maintain recycling rates and identify single-use plastic and waste reduction
    opportunities
  2. Identify new water saving opportunities
  3. Achieve a 10% reduction in energy intensity by 2026*
  4. Achieve a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity by 2026*
  5. Install 6.3MW renewable energy projects by 2026*
  6. Undertake a comprehensive review of climate risk across our regions.

*Applies to wholly-owned businesses; baseline year 2020.

Our net zero emissions commitment

We have committed to becoming a net zero business by 2040.

Our ambition is to be a net zero emissions business across Ramsay’s global value chain by 2040. To reach our goal, we have set science-based emissions targets which align with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C. The Ramsay group has confirmed this commitment with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and will commence a validation process for our targets.

Why is it important?

We know that a healthy planet is vital for a healthy population and being sustainable is important to our people, patients, doctors and communities – as well as our business success. By working together for healthier people, stronger communities and a thriving planet, we want to make a positive and meaningful difference for current and future generations.

Our net zero approach

Our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 is a key part of our Ramsay Cares Sustainability Strategy. Our approach is overseen by the Ramsay Health Care Board and Global Executive. Each business in the Ramsay group is responsible for implementing our approach and improving our environmental and sustainability performance

Ramsay’s greenhouse gas emissions will be reported annually against our targets and the targets will be regularly reviewed for consistency with the latest climate science and to reflect any significant changes to our business or baseline emissions.

NOTE: We will only use carbon offsets to neutralise residual emissions or go beyond our science-based emission reduction targets.

What are we measuring?

Health systems contribute to climate change primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The scopes of emissions categories are defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Scope 1 - Direct emissions e.g. emissions from anaesthetic gases, fuel and gas used in facilities and vehicles.
Scope 2 - Indirect emissions from the generation of electricity.
Scope 3 - Indirect emissions from categories such as waste, business travel and supply chains e.g. production, transport and disposal of medications, food, medical devices and hospital equipment.

Net Zero target years graphic.png

Our net zero strategies

Maximising energy efficiency

Continue to invest in energy efficiency projects such as low energy lighting and heating and cooling upgrades.

Greener theatres

Reduce anaesthetic gas emissions by using low flow and environmentally friendly options.

Increasing recycling
and reducing waste

Reduce unnecessary use of single-use items, where safe to do so; improve recycling and reduce waste in our facilities.

Optimising onsite renewable
energy and storage

Continue to invest in onsite renewable electricity generation. Focus on reducing fossil fuel use in facilities, as new technologies come online.

Switching to renewable and
cleaner energy sources

Increase sourcing of renewable and less carbon-intensive electricity supply.

Understand scope 3 emissions

Work with our partners to understand and address emissions across our large and complex supply chain.

Engaging suppliers

Work with our suppliers to take a science-based approach to setting targets.

Embedding ESD in developments

Continuously improve and maintain development performance standards through Environmentally Sustainable Design. Develop climate adaptation and Net Zero plans so our developments are future fit.

Strategic transformation

Grow and transform our business sustainably and adapt and be resilient to a changing climate.