Sustainability

North Shore and Waitakere Hospitals are proudly Enviro-Mark Gold Certified

Waitematā DHB is committed to providing the Best Care for Everyone. Waitematā DHB acknowledges that people are at the centre of everything we do. People live within a social community and an economy, all of which ultimately exist within, and rely upon, the natural environment.

To Waitematā DHB, sustainability means operating in a way that meets the needs of the people without jeopardising the fabric of the social community, the economy or the natural environment, so that future generations continue to be able to meet their needs. It is about long-term thinking.

Waitematā DHB acknowledges that a healthy natural environment and a well-constructed built environment results in a positive impact on overall community health through improved mental health and well-being, improved opportunities for physical activity, improved social contact and improved children’s development.

Principles

Waitematā DHB Sustainability Policy is based around two key principles. In all activities, Waitematā DHB will seek to:

1. Maximise efficiency
   Reducing waste through efficient purchasing and processes including wasted resources (materials, energy, water), time and money.
2. Minimise harm
   Minimising harm to people, the community and the environment.

Approach

To maximise efficiency and minimise harm, Waitematā DHB will take the following approaches:

• ensure compliance
• collaborate and build partnerships
• manage risks
• involve staff
• communicate and consult
• evaluate
• educate and take action
• measure and manage
• audit

Key Target Areas

Waitematā DHB identifies five key target areas for Sustainability. These target areas are chosen based on their potential financial, efficiency, social and environmental impacts.

Waitematā DHB’s key sustainability target areas are:

1. Sustainable Procurement
2. Energy and Carbon Management
3. Waste Management
4. Water Management
5. Designing the Built Environment.

Waitematā DHB will support local and central government strategies and targets in these areas. In recognition of our efforts, Waitakere Hospital and North Shore Hospital are Enviro-Mark Gold certified.

Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme

Waitematā District Health Board is now a CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certified organisation. The health sector has an important opportunity to play a leadership position in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Waitematā DHB will set annual targets to reduce our carbon footprint, and put in place initiatives to achieve the target.