Australia's hospitals should switch to safer, cheaper clean energy as part of a nationwide health response to climate change, experts say. or signup to continue reading An all-electric hospital would use 100 per cent renewable energy - not gas or diesel - for heating, cooking, hot water and sterilising medical tools. Proponents say micro-grids, on-site renewable energy generation and battery storage for back-up power would make hospitals better equipped to handle extreme weather events as well as reducing running costs.
The has the backing of independent federal MPs Sophie Scamps, Helen Haines, Monique Ryan, Zali Steggall, Kylea Tink, Allegra Spender and Senator David Pocock. They want the initiative made a priority as part of Australia's broader climate change and health strategy. Healthy hospitals campaigner Ursula Alquier said feasibility studies for the pilot hospitals would lay the groundwork for facilities across the country.
"The health sector not only faces significant emissions from outdated energy systems, but also needs climate resilience in the face of extreme weather events," she said. Gas-burning systems in hospitals can release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, both of which have been linked to serious respiratory and other health issues. Locking hospitals into using gas also exposes them to volatile pricing.
Going electric means hospitals could use cost savings for more healthcare services, according to proponents. The broad c.