May 8th, 2025

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COALITION SPOTLIGHT

Webinar - Celebrating Nurses' Environmental Awareness and Action

Date: May 15th, 2025

Time: 9am PT/12pm ET

Nurses play a vital role in integrating environmental consciousness into health care practice. This panel discussion will focus on the inspiring efforts of nurses who are doing just that! 

Join the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care and PEACH Health Ontario as we explore the benefits of nature-based healing for both personal well-being and professional practice, and learn how our panelists are advancing planetary health through their roles in nursing.

Webinar - RETScreen® Expert – A Comprehensive Energy & Carbon Management Tool

Date: May 30th, 2025

Time: 9am PT/12pm ET

Learn how RETScreen®, a clean energy management software developed by the Government of Canada, supports energy and carbon reduction in facilities like hospitals and long-term care homes. This workshop introduces RETScreen’s Virtual Energy Analyzer, explores its latest features, and guides participants through real-world examples of energy, cost, and emissions savings.

*Attend this event to gain access to a free 30-day RETScreen licence. 

Article - Climate-resilient acute care clinical operations: A framework

This article discusses the importance of climate-resilient acute care clinical operations, emphasizing the need for health care systems to adapt to climate change to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. It highlights strategies for enhancing resilience, including infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness, and staff training. The article also underscores the role of health care professionals in advocating for policies that support climate adaptation and sustainability within the health care sector.

Article - A kilo for a tonne: the unmet need to address underuse in health care in a climate crisis

This article explores the intersection of climate change and public health, emphasizing the need for integrated policies that promote both environmental sustainability and health equity.

It calls for urgent action from health systems to address climate impacts, advocating for strategies that enhance resilience, such as improved infrastructure, community engagement, and policy collaboration to support planetary health and long-term sustainability.

Team Feature: Keishini Selvaganesh

Welcome to our new series, where each newsletter will feature a key member of the Coalition team! For this feature, meet Keishini Selvaganesh.

Keishini is a Master of Science student in Global Health at McMaster University. Passionate about planetary health, she is currently working on the HeatAdapt project, which aligns with her dedication to addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable populations. 

"My passion for planetary health brought me to the Coalition, where I found a space that bridges health and climate action with purpose and determination. I joined because I believe that climate action means building resilience for those most vulnerable to climate-related health risks. I am inspired by the Coalition's commitment to helping people feel safe in their homes, confident in their health, and connected to a community that supports them.

What makes the Coalition truly distinct is its heart. The Coalition brings together health care workers, researchers, and communities across the country to protect vulnerable communities. By uniting these voices, the Coalition ensures that lived experiences are acknowledged, and real concerns are heard and prioritized. Its approach begins by listening. By understanding the experiences of those facing climate impacts firsthand, the Coalition is able to turn that understanding into meaningful action. This commitment to listening deeply and responding meaningfully is what drives our work forward." ~ Keishini

Keep an eye out for our next feature!

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Waste Auditor Training

Circular Innovation Council

Next course session: May 20-23, 2025

Location: Virtual sessions via Zoom

A combination of lectures and workshops offers attendees hands-on experience through case studies, creation of audit plans, and development and application of auditing skills through table-top scenarios and situational exercises.

Participants also learn about modern methods of performance measurement, calculating waste reduction, and realistic indicators of effective source separation programs. Participants apply audit findings into compliant and effective waste reduction work plans that focus on waste reduction and reuse as priorities.

Email shirley@circularinnovation.ca to express interest or reserve a spot.

CLIMATE ACTION

Promoting planetary health to support our patients and our communities

Canadian Nurse

This article emphasizes the vital role nurses play in addressing environmental challenges. It outlines four key mitigation actions—advocacy, education, sustainable practices, and collaboration—integrated into nursing practice to improve environmental and patient health, highlighting how nurses can lead change to support planetary health and build resilient communities.

Promoting planetary health and well-being for all: Harnessing Indigenous knowledges for health

Frontiers Medicine

This article highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Knowledge for Health (IKH) and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Health/Medicine (TCIH) systems in contributing to the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of our planet through innovation, health promotion, and fair, equitable and sustainable benefit sharing.

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: How environmental policies lower health costs

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

CAPE has released a new report showing how environmental measures deliver major benefits for our health, economy, and social well-being.

Federal regulations like the Coal Phase-Out and Clean Electricity Regulations are projected to yield $18–$21 billion in health benefits by 2050—reducing illness and freeing up funds to hire doctors. These findings highlight the powerful connection between environmental action and health care savings.

Check out the report to see why good environmental policy is good health policy—and how much Canada gains by tackling deadly pollution.

Clean Air, Healthy Lives: A policy roadmap for health systems to tackle air pollution

Global Climate & Health Alliance

The urgency to develop robust and actionable strategies addressing the critical intersection of air pollution and health has never been greater.

This policy brief offers a guide for health ministries and agencies, empowering them with examples of practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and critical knowledge needed to lead transformative actions in addressing the health impacts of air pollution.

By offering a clear outline for capacity building, resource optimization, and cross-sectoral collaboration, it seeks to enable policymakers and health leaders to design and implement targeted interventions effectively.

FOOD SYSTEMS

FACILITIES

2025 Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award Winner - Island Health

Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL)

On April 23rd CCHL announced that Island Health was named recipient of the 2025 Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. 

By adopting renewable natural gas, implementing energy-efficient lighting, and expanding food composting programs, Island Health is leading the way in sustainable health care practices while enhancing operational efficiency and patient care.

Cowichan's future hospital set new standards in health care efficiency and sustainability

Island Health News

The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project in British Columbia is set to become Canada's first hospital to achieve Zero Carbon Building – Design™ certification. As the province's first fully electric, fossil fuel-free hospital, it features energy-efficient systems, advanced ventilation, on-site solar power, and sustainable materials.These innovations aim to enhance patient care, reduce environmental impact, and serve as a model for sustainable health care infrastructure.

PPE recycling program reduces landfill waste and saves energy

Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)

PHSA has announced the launch of a province-wide PPE recycling program in British Columbia, aiming to reduce landfill waste and save energy.

Spearheaded by PHSA's procurement team, the initiative focuses on recycling personal protective equipment, contributing to planetary health and setting a precedent for sustainable practices in health care. 

NYC Health + Hospitals Cuts Annual Anaesthesia-Related Carbon Emissions

NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals has achieved a 52% annual reduction in anaesthesia-related carbon emissions by deactivating central piped nitrous oxide systems and optimizing anesthetic gas use.

This initiative has cut over 5,000 metric tons of CO₂e emissions—equivalent to removing approximately 1,100 gas-powered cars from the road.

NEW! RETScreen^® Expert Version 9.2 now offers direct connection to ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager

EVENTS

The Unstoppable Green Transition

Good Investing



Date: May 27th, 2025

Time: 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET

Join Tim Nash, founder of Good Investing, for an inspiring look at the unstoppable momentum behind the green economy as he presents the updated Green Transition Scoreboard™. This project, first launched in 2009 with Tim’s late mentor and visionary Hazel Henderson, has tracked trillions of dollars flowing into renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable infrastructure.

Tim will share: 

• A fresh look at the numbers: Where the money is really going in 2025 (Spoiler alert: money is green!) 
• The updated Green Transition Scoreboard: tracking trillions in global investment 
• What this means for values-aligned investors looking ahead 

Allyship and Upstanding: Interrupting Indigenous-Specific Racism in Health Care

The University of British Columbia

Date: May 14th, 2025

Time: 4:00pm PT/ 7:00pm ET

Health care professionals play a critical role in addressing the systemic racism that affects Indigenous patients and communities.

This webinar is for those who are beginning their journey as allies or navigating steps forward in their ongoing commitment to upstanding.

Through shared experiences and insights from a panel of allies, participants will leave with an understanding on how even small actions can contribute to creating a more inclusive, respectful health care experience for Indigenous people and communities, as well as practical actions they can take to interrupt racism in real-time.

The Power of Nurses to Transform Our Health, Our Future and Our Planet

Canadian Nurses Association

Date: May 13th, 2025

Time: 9:00 am PT/ 12:00pm ET

Join us during National Nursing Week for a webinar featuring nurse leaders from across Canada. They will explore the intersection of planetary health with nursing policy, research, education, and practice. Nurses are uniquely positioned to champion sustainable health-care practices, influence environmental policy, drive innovative research, and integrate planetary health into nursing education.

This panel discussion will highlight how nurse leaders are taking action to mitigate climate change, advocate for healthier environments, and shape a sustainable future for health-care delivery. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for translating planetary health research into clinical practice, influencing policy agendas, and embedding sustainability into nursing curricula.

2nd Forum on Healthcare Infrastructure, Atlantic Canada

Canadian Institute

Date: July 14 - 15th, 2025

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, NS

Seize the opportunity to connect with leaders in health care facilities planning, construction, design, and clinical operations at the Canadian Institute’s Forum on Healthcare Infrastructure, Atlantic Canada. This essential event will provide critical insights into project delivery best practices, national and regional trends, and the status of major developments across Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

With an aging population driving urgent facility upgrades, this event fosters collaboration on innovative solutions for health care design, construction, and delivery across the East Coast.

Save 10% with the CCGHC promo code: D10-999-CCGHC25

8th Annual Forum on Healthcare Infrastructure, Western Canada

Canadian Institute

Date: June 19th – 20th, 2025

The 8th Annual Forum on Healthcare Infrastructure, Western Canada, will be held in Vancouver, offering an opportunity to network with industry leaders and explore strategies for health care infrastructure design and construction.

Attendees will examine procurement models, learn about evolving standards, and meet with key decision-makers to stay at the forefront of cutting-edge health care facility delivery.

Register now to save 10% with promo code: D10-999-CCGHC25.

PEACH Health Conference 2025

PEACH Health Ontario

Date: May 21st, 2025

Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Rock Garden, Hamilton, ON

Join PEACH Health Ontario for the first PEACH Health Conference 2025, an exciting in-person event where you can connect with and learn from experts in sustainability, planetary health, family medicine, and knowledge translation.

This year's theme is Environmental Sustainability in Primary Health Care. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and grow with students and professionals in the field!

Have you registered as an organ donor?

Contact your local organ donation agency and speak to your family about your wishes. You have the power to save and transform lives. Learn more and register to donate HERE.

The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is Canada’s premier green health care resource network, leading the evolution of green in Canada’s health sector as a national voice and catalyst for environmental change. www.greenhealthcare.ca