22 April 2024

We are excited to share some big news on World Earth Day!

Austin Health has embarked on a project to install solar panels across all three main campuses, supported by funding from the Victorian Health Building Authority. This project aligns with our strategic outcomes and furthers our goal towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The initiative kicked off with the installation of 371 solar panels at the Central Production Unit (CPU) building at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital just this month. These solar panels have been installed across three rooftops to maximise power supply to the CPU and reduce the demand on the electrical grid.

With the CPU building's solar array system now live, we estimate annual cost savings to reach around $50,000. This initiative will make a substantial impact on carbon emissions, with an expected annual reduction of 276 tonnes of CO2. This is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 17 Australian households!

“We plan to streamline our kitchen production demand to leverage this new source of green energy. Our central production kitchen team is excited and committed to using as much renewable energy as possible!” shares Sam Ponniah, General Manager Food Services.

Real-time monitoring capabilities of our new solar array system allows us to track power generation, grid usage and facility consumption, providing essential insights for optimising energy efficiency. As we begin using this system, we will be able to gather data to determine usage and make informed decisions to further enhance performance and savings.

This project is still ongoing, with plans in place to install solar panels across various other facilities including the Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun, the Mellor Building and Therapy Services Building at the Royal Talbot, and Transition Support Unit, Coral Balmoral Building and Health & Rehabilitation Centre at the Repat.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will result in approximately 1,700 solar panels being installed across all three Austin Health campuses, furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability in healthcare.

Stay tuned for further updates as this project unfolds, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for our staff, volunteers, patients, and our community.