A collective call to action that has driven a hospital recycling revolution and sustainable reform

Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Services (CHQHHS) has empowered its workforce, young people, families and care partners to pursue innovative ways to minimise their environmental impact of our health care service. We have established an Environmental Stewardship Network, the ‘CHQ Green Team’, which has grown to over 200 active members who work together to meet the targets set out in the CHQHHS Environmental Sustainability Plan 2021-2024.

CHQ Green Team initiatives have resulted in emission reductions, improved energy efficiency and waste reduction at the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) in South Brisbane.

This has established QCH as an international example for sustainable healthcare service delivery, both financially and environmentally.

CHQ Green Team initiatives support local businesses and circular economy jobs while also shifting current practices and improving Queensland’s environmental performance.

CHQ showcases sustainable leadership that has successfully diverted 491 tonnes of waste from landfill and generated and saved over $580 000 in 2021/22. Our sustainability success story can be shared and adopted across other Queensland Health Hospitals and Health care services.