Environmental Commitment
General Practice Training – Valley to coast is committed to minimising its impact on the environment. The most pressing issue is reducing the amount of CO2 emissions produced in the course of our activities. However, we also want to reduce other negative impacts on the environment as far as possible.
Our major activities to date have been:
Reduction of CO2 emissions
- Measuring and monitoring our CO2 emissions (these predominantly derive from electricity use and travel)
- Engaging with our staff to identify and implement a range of energy saving measures
- Reviewing our electricity consumption with action taken to eliminate any unnecessary power usage and minimise standby power usage
- Lobbying for and supporting initiatives of the University of Newcastle to replace electricity generated from coal with electricity generated from renewable (green power) sources. (Our electricity supply is derived from the University’s supply)
- Encouraging staff to cycle to work rather than driving by providing lockers, change and shower facilities on site
- Encouraging staff to plan all work related travel to minimise CO2 emissions
- The remaining CO2 emissions that we are unable to eliminate in a particular year are offset using an accredited offset provider
Other activities
- Workshop catering - changing from plastic disposable cutlery and plates to non-petroleum based products (eg products made from sugar cane or corn starch)
- Workshop catering – providing a higher proportion of vegetarian food and less meat based foods
- Recycling of ink and toner cartridges
We are keen to assist others to address their own environmental impact and are willing to share information and assist other RTPs, businesses, general practices, GPs and registrars in pursuing this goal.
