Solar panels on the roof at Balmain Hospital will help reduce energy consumption.

Balmain Hospital’s rooftop has just had a facelift, with a 40-kilowatt solar panel system installed to help with energy consumption. 

The solar project was led by Troy McIntyre, the District’s Energy and Sustainability Manager. 

“It will save us about $15,000 a year in electricity costs and the payback is under four years. It’s a good initiative,” he said. 

Balmain Hospital General Manager Grace Scott said the initiative is a welcome addition, leading the way for more environmentally-friendly projects. 

“It’s an exciting time for our hospital as we launch into the year” she said. 

“We are looking forward to other upgrades that will help to keep our hospital sustainable and enhance the services we provide to our community.” 

Similar sustainability projects have been completed across the District , with solar panels installed where possible and lighting systems updated to LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights at our hospitals and health centres. 

“Energy consumption is an area we can tackle now, and we have seen a significant reduction in lighting derived energy consumption as a result of all these projects,” said Jon Gowdy, District Executive Director of Capital Infrastructure and Engineering 

“Since 2018 we have reduced our electricity use on average by 15 per cent.” 

Sydney Local Health District has an aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030.  

Through the Sydney Sustainability Program, the District’s Sustainability Committee are tasked with minimising  the environmental impact of our services. 

Sustainability in Sydney Local Health District comes in many forms including energy and water efficiency and reduction, adjustments to procurement, waste minimisation, recycling and re-use programs, and through the design of our built environments. 

Current programs also include recycling, including aluminium, sterile wrap, batteries, PVC and furniture; sustainable procurement; hybrid vehicles in our fleet and plant propagation. 

In 2021, Sydney Local Health District became one of 1450 members in 72 countries to join the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network as a sign of commitment to sustainability in healthcare.