|
|
Follow us on social media! | |
|
CCGHC Presents: RETScreen and The Virtual Energy Analyzer: Real Properties
Join us on February 23rd, 2024 at 12pm EST as we welcome Stephen and Adam Dixon of Knowenergy to present on the RETScreen® clean energy management software system developed by the Government of Canada.
Presenters will give the audience a run-down of the software as well as discuss the new Virtual Energy Analyzer feature and explain how RETScreen can help reduced greenhouse gas emissions at health care facilities.
| |
|
User Profile: Embracing Micro-Mobility Brings Freedom and Family Fun for London Dad
Mike Apostol, an energy specialist at London Health Sciences Centre, embraces his RadCity 5 Plus e-bike for eco-friendly commutes with his kids.
Despite weather limitations, he finds solutions like indoor storage and proper gear. Apostol advises on e-bike usage, emphasizing safety, regulation awareness, and maintenance. He encourages infrastructure improvements and recommends reputable brands for potential users, highlighting the benefits and precautions of e-biking.
| |
Health organizations sign on to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty | |
The World Health Organization and other health groups around the world have endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Treaty calls for a rapid, equitable phase-out of fossil fuels, including immediately ending activity and investment across all new or expanded fossil fuel exploration, extraction, and building of infrastructure.
Health organizations worldwide are calling for an end to investment in fossil fuels. Yet in Canada, no hospital has yet announced a commitment to screen out investment in fossil fuel companies.
| | |
|
New report identifies five key climate solutions municipalities should undertake
Canadian Health Association for Sustainability & Equity (CHASE)
The report advocates for integrating population health and health equity considerations into climate change mitigation efforts in communities nationwide. It features 10 case studies highlighting strategies used by public health agencies to influence local policies for improved population health and reduced climate emissions.
Additionally, it includes evidence supporting health benefits from five local climate solutions. Case studies are drawn from various regions including Ottawa, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Saskatoon.
| |
|
OPINION: Health sector leadership on climate and health: Reflections on COP28 and climate and health
Healthy Debate
The Declaration on Climate and Health at COP28 neglected a vital aspect: it lacked a population health approach by not advocating for mitigation actions such as ending fossil fuel subsidies and phasing out fossil fuels.
Instead, it predominantly emphasized adaptation, acknowledging climate change's inevitability and preparing to manage its effects, including on public health. Similarly, Canada's ministers of health, environment, climate change, and Indigenous services' joint statement also overlooked mentioning mitigation efforts at COP28.
| |
|
Government of Canada launches public engagement on the 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Government of Canada has said it is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change to ensure a sustainable future. Collaborating with citizens, provinces, territories, and businesses, it aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal embraced by various stakeholders.
On February 2nd, 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada initiated a public engagement process to gather input from Canadians and Indigenous communities nationwide, informing the establishment of Canada's 2035 national greenhouse gas emissions target.
| |
|
Assessing the human health benefits of climate mitigation, pollution prevention and biodiversity preservation
Annuals of Global Health
National governments and international agencies' efforts to mitigate climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss not only benefit the environment but also promote health, disease prevention, and human well-being. However, assessments often overlook health benefits, missing an opportunity to fully quantify the advantages of environmental remediation and inform policymakers and the public.
Authors urge governments and agencies to incorporate health metrics into evaluations alongside ecological and economic assessments, suggesting the use of metrics from the Global Burden of Disease study as a starting point.
| |
|
The Relationship between climate change and health care quality and safety
Patient Safety Network
Climate change–related weather events are straining health care workers, disrupting physical infrastructure, and interrupting supply chains, compromising patient care and health care quality. Recent instances, like medication shortages and hospital closures during extreme weather, illustrate this global health threat.
Emerging approaches aim to mitigate climate change's impact on health. This essay examines common health issues caused by climate change, healthcare's role in exacerbating it, and proposes strategies to tackle this preventable harm.
| |
|
Canadian tar sands pollution is up to 6,300% higher than reported, study finds
The Guardian
Toxic emissions from the Canadian tar sands – already one of the dirtiest fossil fuels – have been dramatically underestimated, according to a study.
Research published in the journal Science found that air pollution from the vast Athabasca oil sands in Canada exceed industry-reported emissions across the studied facilities by a staggering 1,900% to over 6,300%.
Academics said this means that damaging reactive pollutants from the oil sands are equivalent to those from all other human-made sources across Canada with severe health implications.
| |
|
Nine Alberta transit authorities selected to study zero-emission buses
Electric Autonomy
Nine transit authorities in Alberta are participating in a new project to study the procurement and deployment of zero-emission buses.
The Alberta Municipality Constellation project is spearheaded by the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) and FortisAlberta. It will focus on assessing the economic, technical, and environmental factors associated with the transition to zero-emission buses.
| |
|
Is 2024 the year of the electric fleet vehicle? Deloitte says "yes"
Electric Autonomy
The transportation sector is responsible for 25 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Commercial vehicles account for 60 per cent of emissions within that 25 per cent.
So, the first reason to make the switch to an EV fleet is obvious: customers are demanding carbon-free transportation for goods. Fleets that can offer that lower carbon footprint method of transport are at a double advantage due to catering to market demand and because of the cost savings that come with an electric fleet.
| |
|
What's indoor air quality like in long-term care facilities during wildfires? Worse than you'd think.
KFF Health News
| |
Wildfires in the western U.S. and Canada annually engulf southwestern Idaho's Treasure Valley in smoke, particularly affecting Boise residents, including vulnerable seniors in long-term care.
Luke Montrose, an environmental toxicologist from Colorado State University, installed data monitors revealing significant smoke pollution infiltrating these facilities during wildfire season. Some buildings allowed up to 100% of outdoor particulate matter inside, indicating indoor exposure was as harmful as being outside during smoke events.
| |
Release of RETScreen® Version 9.1
| |
Version 9.1 of the RETScreen® Clean Energy Management Software platform is now available for download from the RETScreen website. This update has arrived with a number of salient new features to enhance the RETScreen experience!
One of the latest features is an automated Net Zero Planning Tool which further enables portfolio-wide decarbonization planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting – all available within one single multilingual platform. Learn more about the new tool HERE.
|
|
EVENTS, TRAINING AND WEBINARS | |
Institutional Textile Waste: Challenges & Opportunities | |
Environment & Climate Change Canada is supporting a new national research study, conducted by Fashion Takes Action (FTA), that looks at the volume, fibre composition and flow of the textile waste generated by hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities and linen and laundry service companies.
Join FTA's Kelly Drennan, and Chroma Consulting's Marianne-Coquelicot Mercier, as they present the context and objectives of this study, how this fits into the goals of the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC) and how you can get involved.
Date: February 15th, 2024
Time: 12:15 pm EST
| |
|
Mobilizing health system sustainability through greenhouse gas estimation
In this session with Clemence Marty-Chastan and Stephan Williams, learn what organisations can gain from efforts to estimate the full scope of their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), while carefully considering the limitations of this estimation as a tool for driving change.
Date: February 15th, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm EST
| |
|
Operationalizing healthcare sustainability at program level
In this session you will hear from two sustainability leaders, David Smith and Caroline Stigant, as they share their processes, insights, and challenges in guiding and operationalizing the sustainability agenda at the program level and beyond.
Date: March 21st, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm EST
| |
|
ICAM 2024
The International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) is the first international gathering dedicated to academic medicine. It is the place for medical educators, health research leaders and learners to meet, network, and develop new relationships and collaborations with colleagues from around the world.
Date: April 12th - 15th, 2024
Location: Vancouver, B.C
| |
|
EV & Charging Expo 2024
Electric Autonomy's EV & Charging Expo, taking place May 1 and 2, 2024 in Toronto, is designed to enable organiations to make informed decisions and take concrete actions to transition to zero-emissions transportation.
It is also a meeting place to forge new connections and partnerships to accelerate change across industry sectors.
| |
|
Dates and Topics:
-
February 14, 2024 - Ductwork Leakage - Effects and Efficiency Opportunities
-
March 20, 2024 - Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Harness Free Energy to Optimize Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Efficiency
-
April 17, 2024 - Beyond Directions: Designing Effective Wayfinding Systems for User Experience
-
May 15, 2024 - Climate Change and Mould in Your Healthcare Facility
-
June 26, 2024 - Retrofit for Sustainability
-
October 2, 2024 - Major changes in the 2022 edition of the Infection Control during Construction, Renovation and Maintenance in Health Care Facilities Standard
-
October 30, 2024 - Applying the Z317.13:22 Standard to Renovation Projects
-
November 27, 2024 - Applying Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Hospital Maintenance Workers
| |
|
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 | |
Some articles referred to in the Digest make reference to services and/or product offerings from specific suppliers. The CCGHC recommends that readers research the service and product offerings available through a wider range of suppliers for comparison purposes and in keeping with public sector purchasing guidelines. These articles should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or service. | | | | |
