How the new hospital will make a difference to the environment

On 5 June, millions of people from across the globe focused their efforts to protect and restore the Earth as part of World Environment Day.

The United Nations international day puts a global spotlight on the pressing environmental challenges of our times, with this year’s theme reminding us that our actions on plastic pollution matters.

Building a new hospital such as the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital presents significant opportunities to embed sustainability initiatives that align with NSW Health as well as Health Infrastructure’s Sustainability Commitment and Strategy.


Health Infrastructure Senior Project Director Matthew Malone said the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will contribute to improved environmental sustainability through a more efficient use of resources, increased environmental standard adherence, the deliberate and effective use of facilities.

“The new facility aims to deliver industry leading environmentally sustainable development elements including key initiatives to support and deliver climate change adaptation measures which lower on-going emissions and contribute to NSW Government emissions targets,” Mr Malone said.

The design and sustainability features of the new hospital include:

  • Orientation: designed to improve solar access to key areas within the hospital, capture prevailing winds for suitable crossflow ventilation
  • Use of natural and recycled materials: local materials will be selected to reduce manufacturing of new products and reduce waste
  • Native vegetation: use of native vegetation which will support Connecting with Country principles to deliver a healing environment, improve local biodiversity, and lower water usage
  • Gardens and green spaces: encourage therapeutic environments to reduce stress and enhance patient recovery
  • Energy: solar panels and  energy efficient fittings and fixtures installed
  • Lighting: energy efficient LED and sensory lighting installed to lower energy usage and emissions
  • Energy efficient window design: improve access to natural light, reduce artificial lighting and enhance thermal performance
  • Rainwater harvesting: capture to use in the hospital gardens and green spaces
  • Charging stations: enable the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and stations
  • Sustainable transport facilities: adapt hospital fleet vehicles to electric vehicles and develop a local public transport strategy initiative for visitors and staff

For more information about the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development please visit the project website: www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au