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2017 Environmental Sustainability Report
2017 Environmental Sustainability Report
About this Report: Environmental Reporting and Compliance
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is committed to environmentally sustainable operations
by reducing our impact in a number of areas in our business. We do this not only because
legislation requires this, but simply because it is the right thing to do.
Our first Environmental Sustainability report has been created in collaboration with
our community partner, Sustainable Hamilton Burlington. It highlights actions and
performance, with information that was collected in the 2016 and 2017 calendar year,
with 2016 selected as our baseline reporting year. This report is a snapshot of our larger
Corporate Environmental Sustainability Plan, which is based on Global Reporting Initiative
(GRI) standards of excellence in sustainability reporting that we have submitted to
Sustainable Hamilton Burlington. The GRI framework is the generally accepted framework
for reporting on an organization’s environmental, economic and social performance.
Many of us are familiar with the term, sustainability, being used to describe fiscal
performance; however, in the context of this report, we are talking about a much
broader application of the term. Environmental sustainability is found at the intersection
of environmental responsibility, social commitment, and financial stability. It is at this
intersection where demands placed on the environment can be met without reducing
the ability of future generations to live well and meet their needs.
HHS regularly tracks, measures and reports on a number of environmental impacts in
an effort to examine how we can do better and share best practices with others. The
number of acts and regulations to which HHS is subject and in compliance include:
• Green Energy Act O. Reg. 397/11 (Energy
Conservation and Demand Management Plan)
• Climate Change Mitigation and Low-
Carbon Economy Act o. Reg. 144/16 (The
Cap and Trade Program)
• Environmental Protection Act O. 102/94
(Waste Audits and Waste Reduction
Work Plans)
• Environmental Protection Act O. Reg.
103/94 (Industrial, Commercial and
Institutional Source Separation Program)
• Green Hospital Scorecard (The only
comprehensive health care benchmarking
tool in Canada that shows a hospital’s
performance in five areas: energy, water,
waste, pollution prevention and corporate
leadership. Participation is voluntary.)
In May 2018, HHS’s environmental sustainability efforts were recognized
by Sustainable Hamilton Burlington with the presentation of two awards:
• Best First Time Sustainability Report
• Environmental Initiative
2 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
About Hamilton Health SciencesHamilton Health Sciences is a community of 15,000
staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers that
proudly serves southwestern Ontario residents. We
also provide specialized, advanced care to people
from across the province.
We’re the only hospital in Ontario that cares for all
ages, from pre-birth to end-of-life. We offer world-
leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and
stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics.
We are a world-renowned hospital for healthcare
research. We focus daily on improving the quality
of care for our patients through innovation and
evidence-based practices.
As the largest employer in the Greater Hamilton
region, we play a vital role in training the next
generation of health professionals in collaboration
with our academic partners, including McMaster
University and Mohawk College.
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HHS is working hard to minimize our organization’s
impact on the environment. We have assembled a
strong team of staff and professionals who drive
efforts aimed at lowering our energy use and
emissions, reducing waste and minimizing our water
use.
We are making good progress in many of these areas
too, sending five per cent less waste to landfills last
year as compared to our peer hospitals. We have also
integrated energy performance evaluation into our
procurement standards.
Still, we know there is more work to be done. We
need strategic partnerships to help us succeed and
adapt to current and future challenges. That’s the
reason behind our collaboration with Sustainable
Hamilton Burlington, which will help us improve our
environmental sustainability reporting.
Through this partnership, HHS will strive to meet
the most stringent global standards for waste
management, resource consumption and emissions
reduction. We will continually measure, improve and
report on our environmental performance so we can
be held accountable for making progress.
As one of Canada’s leading hospital organizations,
this work is an essential part of our responsibility to
improve the health and wellbeing of the people and
communities we serve. Environmental sustainability is
part of the transformation Hamilton Health Sciences
is undergoing. It’s a collective effort, supported by the
best thinking of our staff, physicians, volunteers and
partners.
Message from Rob MacIsaac
President and CEO Hamilton Health Sciences
4 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
We at HHS have an unwavering commitment to a healthier
environment. We are adopting sustainable environmental
practices across our organization in a transparent and
accountable manner.
Transparency and accountability are key because we
want to foster a culture that supports the changes in
behaviours and processes that will guarantee our success.
Our approach is grounded in ethical behavior, regulatory
compliance and financial accountability.
HHS’ role in meeting the healthcare needs of our
communities needs to include efficient stewardship of the
environment. A healthy environment helps improve the
well-being of those we serve, now and in the future.
HHS will track, measure and report on our environmental
impact so that we can continually examine how we can do
things better, and share what we are doing well. We are
committed to meet, and even exceed, the most stringent of
requirements and regulations.
We have programs and initiatives underway that have
shown the way forward:
• Continuous energy conservation and demand
management planning
• Annual waste audits and plans to reduce waste
• Strenuous recycling effort to minimize waste diversion.
Another key initiative is our participation in the new Ontario
Cap and Trade Program with Québec and California. HHS
will continue to take the necessary steps to reduce its
consumption of energy and emissions of greenhouse gas.
We are taking bold steps because we all share a
responsibility to care for the environment. There is no
“planet” B! I encourage you to review this report to gain
a better understanding of how HHS will advance its
commitment to environmental sustainability.
Message from Kelly Campbell
Vice President, Corporate Services and Capital Development
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6 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Energy
The use of electricity, natural gas, propane, heating, cooling,
and other forms of energy is a necessary requirement
of HHS’ 24-hour patient care demands, and we are
dedicated to managing and lowering our energy usage.
New projects, new savingsA number of initiatives were completed in 2017 including:
Initiative Location Energy Savings (kWh)
Filter ProjectAir handler filters were replaced with low pressure drop filters to reduce energy consumption
HGH 163,723
MUMC 611,521
JHCC 296,521
LED Lighting RetrofitsT8 Fluorescent Tubes replaced with LED Tubes
HGH 638,148
MUMC 257,894
JHCC 77,088
SPH 112,128
Energy Consumption Breakdown by Site (KWh/m3)
MUMC
HGH
JHCC
WLMH
SPH
10,0
00
,00
0
5,0
00
,00
0
15,0
00
,00
0
Electricity (KWh) in 2016
Electricity (KWh) in 2017
Natural Gas (m3) in 2016
Natural Gas (m3) in 2017
Reduction through cogenerationCogeneration is the use of natural gas to produce both
electricity and hot water. In 2006, three of our largest sites
(JH, MUMC, and HGH) installed cogeneration plants allowing HHS
to reduce our energy demand on the grid and reduce our energy
cost at the same time. Since the installation of the plants, HHS has
saved $10 million annually.
kWh – Kilowatt Hours
m3 – Cubic metres
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8 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
In 2017, HHS reduced 1,717.81 metric tonnes of CO2e,
which is the equivalent of taking 368 cars off the road
for one year, or powering 257 homes for one year.
Emissions
Measuring EmissionsGreenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are emitted
primarily through the use of electricity, natural gas, heating and cooling.
Driven by legislation, and fiscal and environmental goals, we have set
an emissions (greenhouse gas) reduction target of 20 per cent by 2020.
We measure the effectiveness of our management approaches through
completing carbon and energy audits. Meeting industry standards, HHS
measures total emissions in metric tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide
equivalents) and reports in Scope 1 and Scope 2 type emissions.
Scope 1 emissions are those from sources that are owned or controlled
by the organization (i.e. cogeneration plants); whereas Scope 2
emissions are those which come from the consumption of purchased
electricity, steam, or other sources of energy generated upstream from
the organization by central utility services.
Emissions
Scope 1 Emissions Breakdown by Site (Tonnes of CO2e)
Scope 2 Emissions Breakdown by Site (Tonnes of CO2e)
MUMC
MUMC
HGH
HGH
JHCC
JHCC
WLMH
WLMH
SPH
SPH
497
32,093
21,151
497
32,093
16,577
16,577
21,151
1,507
1,507
32,449
32,449
16,362
16,362
19,117
19,117
484
484
1,600
1,600
25,960
25,960
13,089
13,089
15,293
15,293
387
387
1,280
1,280
2016
2017
20% Reduction Target for 2020
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1 0 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Waste
HHS has focused on improving our waste
management, waste diversion, and waste
reduction of both our operating room and
kitchen waste for the past 15 years.
In 2017, we achieved a 43 per cent diversion
rate, which is two per cent higher than 2016,
and five per cent higher than our peers. We
were able to accomplish this by implementing
a number of different services and policies.
Highlights:
43% of waste diverted from landfill
2% increase in waste diversion from 2016
81.39 metric tonnes more waste diverted
through recycling and reuse programs
107 metric tonnes more food
waste diverted from landfill
41.9%
23.2%
50.4%
43.6%
Waste Diversion Rate by Site
WLMH JHCC HGH SPH WLMH
2016 2017
48.5%
44.3%
38.2%
21.3%
41.7%
49.3%
Peer Group Average
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Kitchen Waste
Diversion
• In 2017, the Nutrition Services Department began recycling
all packaging left from the food served to our patients. Since
implementing a recycling program which took into account the
workflow of each individual site, the Nutrition Services recycling
program helps to divert over 120 metric tonnes of recycling and 180
metric tonnes of food waste from landfills each year.
• The implementation of our vendor Compass Group’s Steamplicity
system in January of 2017 allowed us to reuse the cardboard trays that
meals are delivered on. Each tray carries 16 meals and can be reused
three to four times for shipping these meals. In total, this initiative
diverted 36 metric tonnes of cardboard from landfills in 2017.
• Dehydrators are used to reduce the overall volume of food waste
returned from patient meal trays and helped HHS divert over 180
metric tonnes of waste from landfills in 2017. The by-product is
hauled off-site and processed into fertilizer or compost additive.
1 2 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
MUMC
HGH
JHCC
SPH
WLMH 35% 12% 48% 5%
21% 73%
36% 51% 12%
36% 52% 8%
40% 45% 11%
Reuse
Recycling: Mixed recyclables (papers, plastics, metals), Cardboard and Confidential Paper
Organic: Food Waste & Coffee Grinds
Landfill: Waste sent to landfill
Biohazardous: Biomedical waste & sharps which are incinerated or autoclaved
Waste Composition Breakdown by Site
1%
1.4%
1.4%
0.2%
1%
3.6% 1.7%
4%
3%
3%
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Operating Room Recycling
Due to the nature of the work and the materials
used, recycling in Operating Rooms (OR) is often a
challenge. The Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre
has been recycling since 2014. In 2017, front line
OR staff from the Hamilton General and McMaster
University Medical Centre worked with the HHS
Waste Management Coordinator to customize
educational modules and poster boards for the
OR staff. Now, both the Hamilton General and
McMaster University ORs are each diverting an
additional three to four metric tonnes of recycling
from landfills each month. Overall, the OR recycling
program helps to divert an additional seven metric
tonnes of recycling from landfill each month.
Surgical Device Reprocessing
In 2017, HHS enhanced the existing surgical device
reprocessing program by adding a new system
to capture devices which would otherwise be
discarded and reprocessed off-site. These devices
are sterilized and sold back to HHS at a discounted
rate, passing all required inspections before being
used again during some surgical procedures. In
2017, 4,233 devices were diverted from landfills.
1 4 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Multi-Use Sterile WrapMulti-use sterile wrap is used in the OR for the wrapping and
sterilization of medical instruments. The special material allows steam
to penetrate and sterilize both the wrapper and internal content as
well as acting as a sterile barrier as contents travel to the OR. Multi-
use wrap has been a standard practice for nearly a decade. In 2017
alone, HHS diverted the equivalent of 229,466 disposable wraps from
the landfill through use of these wraps.
Blueware RecyclingIn 2016, we transitioned to disposable blueware (basins, urinals
and bedpans, for example) to create a positive impact on infection
control and outbreaks. By working with local recyclers, HHS created
a program to recycle these items. Since implementing the program in
2016, HHS has recycled over 35 metric tonnes.
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Initiatives1 8 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Community Garden
Our Hamilton General Hospital and Population Health
Research Institute (PHRI) partnered with Hamilton
Victory Gardens (HVG) to build a community
vegetable garden on the downtown hospital campus.
All three partners share a common goal of giving back
to the local community. Produce grown in the garden
is donated to local food banks and meal programs.
This, in turn, helps to mitigate risks related to food
insecurity among the vulnerable population we serve.
Initiatives Highlights:
942 pounds of vegetables and herbs donated.
63 volunteers with over 1,800 hours worked.
Provides an innovative therapy option
for our rehabilitation patients.
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Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre
In 2016, our Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre
(RJCHC) earned LEED® Gold Certification for
exemplary performance in innovative design. The
spacious facility was designed to provide energy
efficiency and occupant comfort, in order to provide
care to children and their families in a healthy space.
The project was certified gold under LEED® Canada
New Construction standards, earning 64 points.
2016
2 0 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Highlights:
The building benefits from its location in an area characterized by community connectivity, with
easy access to public transit.
Low-flow fixtures to achieve a water use reduction of 36%.
86% of construction and demolition waste diverted from landfill.
Building envelope increases thermal resistance.
HVAC systems do not use CFC-based refrigerants.
Indoor air quality includes use of low-emitting materials.
White roof membrane reflects heat, rather than absorbing it.
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Earth Week and Waste Reduction Week Activities
Earth week events and Waste Reduction
Week events are hosted annually.
Highlights for 2017 events included:
• Earth Week events on all sites.
• Offering waste drops for staff’s
domestic battery and e-waste.
• Over 100 attendees at the main event.
• Interactive Environmental Sustainability game.
• Free coffee refills with reusable mug.
• Guided tours of waste dock.
2 2 H A M I L T O N H E A L T H S C I E N C E S
Smart Commute
HHS supports active transit and carpooling as a way
to reduce carbon emissions created by our commute
to work. We are one of the founding members of the
Hamilton Smart Commute program, and achieved
Smart Commute Employer of the Year.
Our smart commute program offers staff:
• Promotion of carpooling and designated
parking spots at three major sites has led to
a 46% increase in carpoolers since 2015.
• Secure and weather protected bike
parking for staff at five locations.
• Promotion of Bike to Work Day,
Smart Commute Month and
Earth Day.
• Educational seminars about bike
repair and bike safety.
• Partnership with SoBi Bike to offer
discounts for new members.
HAMILTON
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