- Reduce our carbon footprint (Scope 1, Scope 2 and partial Scope 3) by 70%
- Source 100% of our electricity from renewable energy
How we care for the environment
UnitingCare is committed to protecting the environment, and using energy and resources wisely. Our sustainability ethos is embedded in our foundations as the health and community service provider of the Uniting Church—in 1977, the Uniting Church in Australia’s inaugural Statement to the Nation advocated for the wise use of energy and protection of the environment. This commitment to stewardship has been reaffirmed and strengthened through statements such as the 2018 Whole of Creation, which supports strong and specific actions to tackle climate change.
At UnitingCare, we recognise that the health and wellbeing of our residents, patients, clients and staff is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. We recognise that our mission to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities must extend beyond frontline services – we must also promote and preserve a healthy environment, by reducing our carbon footprint, improving resource efficiency, enabling climate resilience, and greening our built environments.
Our sustainability goals
UnitingCare’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025 outlines six focus areas, each underpinned by tangible goals that support our vision to create a healthier, fairer, and greener world.
Built environment
Waste
- Divert from landfill 30% of the non-clinical waste we generate
- Reduce waste generation by 5% at our hospitals and aged care facilities
Transport
- Reduce fleet fuel usage to 4.5 litres per 100 km
- Transition to 100% hybrid and electric passenger fleet
Purchasing
- Ensure 100% of procurement tenders include environmental sustainability criteria
Empowered people
- Upskill 20% of employees through sustainability training
- Increase our number of Green Champions by 100%
Leadership
- Achieve our sustainability goals
- Have our sustainability leadership recognised through awards
Read our 2021-25 strategy:
Our sustainability reports
Our Environmental Sustainability Reports share highlights of our actions and progress in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy journey.
Read our reports:
Green champion
Hear from our Environmental Sustainability Manager Simone Elias, who won our 2022 Go for Green Award.