Northland DHB remains on track with a 10 percent reduction in its carbon footprint compared with 2016

For the third consecutive year Northland DHB has reduced its carbon emissions as published in its latest carbon footprint report.

In 2016 Northland DHB made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 15 percent by 2025. The latest report shows that in 2018 Northland DHB’s emissions were 6,998 tCO2e, which is a reduction of 1 percent compared to 2017, and a 10 percent reduction compared to 2016, the DHBs benchmark year.

This reduction was achieved despite considerable growth in patient activity, increase in staffing levels and the addition of a new 685 m2 building at Bay of Islands hospital.

Fleet fuels continue to be the largest emission category for the DHB, which has remained fairly consistent over previous years. Initial steps to make an impact to this category has seen the introduction of seven electric vehicles, e-bikes and bikes have been added to their transport fleet.

There was an increase in consumption of the second and third largest emission sources, gas and electricity.

The increase in electricity was expected, given the diesel boiler conversion to electric heat pumps at Dargaville hospital, however all DHB hospitals reported an upward trend in consumption. The diesel boiler conversion at Dargaville saw the site diesel use drop to zero; this and other conversions meant a reduction of 75,000 litres of diesel and the largest contributor to the DHB’s emission reduction.

An increase in waste in 2017 saw a focus on recycling and reduction of general waste in 2018 and a reduction of 24 tonnes achieved. This included 1.4 tonnes of PVC to be recycled into children’s playmates.

Finally, a 10 percent reduction in air travel. While more domestic air travel was reported, this result is largely due to less long haul flights.

For more information on the 2018 carbon footprint graphs and data, see the summary report here Link or contact Margriet Geesink Sustainability Development Manager, Northland DHB Margriet.geesink@northlanddhb.org.nz

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