The Green Digest
A Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care Initiative
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RETScreen is a Clean Energy Management Software system for energy efficiency, renewable energy and co generation project feasibility analysis as well as ongoing energy performance analysis. Learn more HERE.
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CANADIAN COALITION FOR GREEN HEALTH CARE |
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Did you know that you could be recognized as a Sustainability Champion?
The Coalition recognizes organisations for their exemplary commitment to sustainability and their work in that regard. Being a Sustainability Champion has its unique benefits and can help your company stand out by showcasing your commitment to supporting a sustainable Canadian health services system.
If you are interested in learning more and potentially being recognized as a Sustainability Champion, we would love to have a chat!
R each out to our Executive Director, Neil Ritchie HERE.
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Where are Canada's Energy Managers?
The Coalition team wants to know more about the growing number of energy managers in Canada's health sector with an eye to providing access to enhanced energy management software.
If you are an energy manager in a Canadian hospital or health care organisation, or if your organisation has an energy manager, our project manager would love to hear from you. Please email kent@greenhealthcare.ca to learn more. Thank you. |
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Update on future Save On Energy programs
The IESO has received a Ministerial directive to implement a new 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) framework to be delivered by the IESO under the Save on Energy brand launching the week of January 4, 2021. Details of programs under the new framework will be available in early November 2020. In the coming weeks the IESO will be engaging with vendors, customers, and key stakeholders on new programs and to ensure a smooth transition from the current 2019-2020 Interim Framework to the new CDM framework.
Please visit Save on Energy for more information and feel free to reach out directly to Vicki Gagnon should you have any questions.
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How hospitals can achieve net-zero energy
Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive facilities. Anchors for help and healing, they are a vital foundation for science and life. Large in size and capacity, hospitals address diverse needs that require round-the-clock use. This means inevitable energy use which often results in lofty and overlooked consumption. Motivated to reduce operating costs and support sustainability goals, hospitals are investing in projects to reduce energy consumption. If a hospital can trim its energy use by 20 percent, the existing equipment can last longer and, in the event of an extended utility interruption, the hospital can help more patients while on emergency power. Reduced energy consumption also avoids emissions from traditional energy sources which cause climate change and have quantifiable health impacts. In the world of health care, for a hospital to “first, do no harm,” the hospital should be a net-zero building.
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Climate Change Resources
The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care has the resources you need to help your facility take action on climate change. Learn more HERE.
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NHS England commits to net-zero emissions by 2040
England’s National Health Service (NHS) has become the first health system in the world to make a commitment to achieving net zero-emissions. They have today released a brand new report that not only outlines the direction, scale and pace of change, but also provides a detailed account of the NHS’ modelling and analytics underpinning the latest NHS carbon footprint and the interventions required to achieve the net-zero ambition.
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Latest WHO document Guidance for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities now available
The aim of this guidance document is to enhance the capacity of health care facilities to protect and improve the health of their target communities in an unstable and changing climate; and to empower health care facilities to be environmentally sustainable, by optimizing the use of resources and minimizing the release of waste into the environment. Climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities contribute to high quality of care and accessibility of services, and by helping reduce facility costs also ensure better affordability. They are, therefore, an important component of universal health coverage (UHC).
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Working paper: Transformative action to realize the 2030 Agenda through effective coalitions
As part of the Good Practice in 2030 Agenda Implementation Series, the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) and Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC), in collaboration with Action for Sustainable Development and Forus, have released a new working paper, Transformative action to realize the 2030 Agenda through effective coalitions. Based on a review of multi-stakeholder coalitions from around the world, this working paper provides a series of good practices and evidence-informed recommendations that can be used to strengthen the governance of coalitions in order to trigger accelerated and transformative actions for sustainable development.
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The government's 2021 single-use plastic ban includes grocery bags, takeout containers
The end is coming for plastic grocery bags, straws and cutlery after the federal government announced recently which single-use plastics will be covered by a national ban coming into effect next year. Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson unveiled the list of soon-to-be-banned items Wednesday morning last week at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. As it was compiling the list, the government said it considered plastics that are harmful to the environment and hard to recycle, and whether there are readily available alternatives.
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Ontario seeking immediate federal action to help farmers
Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recently issued a statement in advance of the upcoming Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting. "As the annual meeting with my Federal-Provincial-Territorial colleague Ministers of Agriculture is fast approaching, yesterday I met with Ontario's agriculture and agri-food sector leaders to discuss what more we can do to support Ontario farmers and food processors in ensuring our food supply chain remains strong and that people continue to have access to safe, local food."
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Ready, set, cook! The Health Care Culinary Contest is back
Health care culinary professionals across the country are taking their menus to new levels in creativity and flavor, all powered by plants. Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth teamed up with Menus of Change, an initiative of The Culinary Institute of America and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to host another Health Care Culinary Contest. This year’s contest is streamlined for easier participation and runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. Register to participate and to stay updated with the latest news and special resources.
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COVID-19 response e-learning toolkit and certificate now available for health care
As the recognized authority in health care environmental services, and as a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) has developed two eLearning certificate toolkits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Special Report: Plastic pandemic - COVID-19 trashed the recycling dream
From Wuhan to New York, demand for face shields, gloves, takeaway food containers and bubble wrap for online shopping has surged. Since most of that cannot be recycled, so has the waste. But there is another consequence. The pandemic has intensified a price war between recycled and new plastic, made by the oil industry. It's a war recyclers worldwide are losing, price data and interviews with more than two dozen businesses across five continents show. "I really see a lot of people struggling," Steve Wong, CEO of Hong-Kong based Fukutomi Recycling and chairman of the China Scrap Plastics Association told Reuters in an interview. "They don't see a light at the end of the tunnel." The reason: Nearly every piece of plastic begins life as a fossil fuel. The economic slowdown has punctured demand for oil. In turn, that has cut the price of new plastic.
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NRCan seeks local organisations to manage projects in latest EV-infrastructure RFP
Natural Resources Canada recently opened its third request for proposals for its Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), a key component of the federal government’s efforts to increase the availability of electric vehicle chargers across Canada. In this RFP, NRCan is requesting proposals from third-party delivery organisations — such as provincial and municipal governments or non-profit organisations — that are able to share the costs of purchasing and installing EV infrastructure.
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One of the first offerings from the newly created Hitachi ABB Power Grids joint venture brings a “holistic” approach to large-scale charging
As charging demands of large-scale public and commercial electric bus fleets grow, operators will need more efficient and scalable charging systems. One such solution was recently unveiled by Hitachi ABB Power Grids. More than 2.3 million municipal electric buses will be in service by 2040, up from 400,000 today, according to a company statement. To meet this demand, Hitachi ABB Power Grids — a joint venture finalized in July, in which Hitachi has an 80 per cent stake — has rolled out a grid-to-plug charging system called Grid-eMotion Fleet.
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Canadians trust vehicle safety technology but not autonomous vehicles, according to driver survey
A survey of more than 3,000 Canadian drivers conducted for Desjardins General Insurance Group has found that 72 per cent of respondents don’t trust self-driving vehicles. “Canadians aren’t necessarily convinced or trust self-driving technology,” says Ken Lindhardsen, vice-president of accident benefits and bodily injury for Desjardins. A big reason, he suspects, is a lack of familiarity with the technology since there aren’t many self-driving vehicles currently in use.
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A BIG thank you to www.SaveOnEnergy.ca for their continued financial support for the Ontario Green Health Care Award and the Ontario Energy Behaviour Award
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Medical Gas course update
The Medical Gas Systems I online self-directed training is now called General Med Gas Systems. The training has been updated to expand knowledge of basic medical gases, allowing a learner to better identify what they are, their uses, and safety considerations when in use, as well as providing insight into the Z7396.1-17 standard. This online training is now available through the CSA Website.
The Medical Gas Systems II instructor-led training has been discontinued and replaced with the newly created Qualified Medical Gas Operator instructor-led virtual training.
General Med Gas Systems Learning Objectives:
- The Basics of Medical Gas
- Manufacturing of Gases
- Packaging of Medical Gases
- Packaging and Storage for Cryogenic Liquids
- Cylinder Contents Identification
- Pressure and Flow Regulation
- Medical Gas Terms
- Clinical Applications of Medical Gas
- Medical Gas in Typical Acute Care
- Standards
- Introduction to Cylinder based Source Systems
- On-site Production of Medical Gas
- Piping Controls and Alarms
- Gas Outlets
Estimated completion time: 5 Hours (90-day course access)
Mise à jour concernant les cours sur les gaz médicaux
L’autoformation en ligne Systèmes des gaz médicaux I est maintenant intitulée Systèmes des gaz médicaux généraux. La formation a été actualisée pour élargir les connaissances sur les gaz médicaux de base, ce qui permet à l’apprenant de mieux déterminer ce que sont ces gaz, quels sont leurs emplois, et quelles sont les consignes de sécurité à respecter lors de leur utilisation, tout en donnant un aperçu sur la norme Z7396.1-17. Cette formation en ligne est maintenant offerte sur le site internet de l’Association canadienne de normalisation (CSA).
La formation dirigée par un instructeur Systèmes des gaz médicaux II a été supprimée et remplacée par une nouvelle formation virtuelle également dirigée par un instructeur : Opérateur qualifié de gaz médicaux.
Objectifs du cours Systèmes des gaz médicaux généraux :
- Notions de base sur les gaz médicaux
- Fabrication des gaz
- Conditionnement des gaz médicaux
- Conditionnement et conservation des liquides cryogéniques
- Détermination du contenu d’un cylindre
- Régulation de la pression et du flux
- Terminologie des gaz médicaux
- Applications cliniques des gaz médicaux
- Gaz médicaux et soins de courte durée typiques
- Normes
- Introduction aux systèmes sources à base de cylindres
- Production sur site des gaz médicaux
- Contrôles et alarmes des canalisations
- Sorties des gaz
Temps de cours estimé : 5 heures (accès au cours durant 90 jours)
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CleanMed 2020 virtual series
Join the two free upcoming virtual CleanMed sessions this month to gain inspiration from experts on how to stay focused on sustainability while incorporating resilience strategies into all facets of health care – from the food you serve, to the trees you plant, the supplies you purchase, and the teams you assemble.
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Circular Procurement Virtual Series 2020
To advance circular economy in Canada we need to focus on collaboration with the public sector organisations, their suppliers and service providers – as well as the private sector and their supply chains – to put circular economy concepts into action. In concert with the WCEFonline, The Circular Innovation Council presents Circular Procurement Virtual Series 2020, a five-part webinar WCEF side event for professionals in public and private procurement functions, facility management, finance, legal, and sustainability, along with vendors and suppliers. It aims to expand knowledge of the circular economy and its benefits; and showcase critical insights and steps to consider along the journey to implementing circular procurement.
Learn more and register HERE.
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Climate Emergency: Diagnosis and Management Conference
The new virtual Continuing Professional Development learning opportunity focusing on climate emergency is hosted by The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE). This full-day event will feature speakers with expertise in both climate change and health. There will be smaller simultaneous workshops to enable participants to delve into areas of special interest and actively participate in discussions. The conference will showcase specific green projects undertaken by participants as well as feature green advertisers.
Oct 30 (Fri) 0800–1700 PDT
Target audience: physicians and all health care professionals, researchers, students and residents.
Overview: Help fight climate change within your professional health care role. This full-day virtual event will feature speakers with expertise in both climate change and health.
Up to 8.0 Mainpro+/MOC Section 1 credits
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CMA Awards and Nominations
The CMA Awards recognize the dedication, successes and talents of individuals who are making significant contributions to our health and health care.
The call for nominations was issued on Sept. 20, 2020 and the nomination period will close on Nov. 30, 2020. Profiles of recent award recipients and details about each award can be found below.
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National Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Week (NHFEW)
October 18-24, 2020
Recognize yourself, your staff and your facility in these extraordinary times!
#NHFEW is just a couple of days away. Start your planning now! Ideas for Posters ... Notices ... Tent Cards ... and more online.
Order CHES Promotional swag for events planned for your facility: Order Form
Semaine nationale de l’ingénierie et des établissements de santé (SNIES)
18 au 24 octobre 2020
Récompensez vous-même, votre personnel et votre établissement en ces temps extraordinaires !
#SNIES commence en quelques jours. Commencez à planifier dès maintenant! Idées d’affiches…d’avis…de chevalets…et plus encore en ligne. Commandez les articles promotionnels de la SCISS pour les événements planifiés dans votre établissement : Bon de commande
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CHES 2020 Webinar Series
Wednesday October 21, 2020 - CSA Z317.13-17 Role of the Multi-Disciplinary Team - Pros and Cons
Speaker: Wayne Stokes, CET arch, FMA, RPA
Wednesday November 18, 2020 - Awareness / Update on Med Gas Qualified Operators
Speaker: Roger Holliss
Visit the CHES website for more details as they become available or to register!
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Canadian Healthcare Facilities
You don't need to be a member of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES) to take advantage of all Canadian Healthcare Facilities has to offer. Check it out for engaging stories by subject matter experts on topics that matter to health care facility managers and operators. Each quarterly journal is filled with stories from CHES members about what their teams and facilities have done and continue to do to provide safe and welcoming care sites across Canada. For the latest in health care facility management articles, click HERE. To learn more about becoming a member of CHES, please visit www.ches.org
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Organ Donation - The Ultimate Recycling
Have you registered as an organ donor?
Contact your local organ donation agency and speak to your family about your wishes. You have the power to save and transform lives. Or visit the Government of Canada website to register and donate.
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In the interests of public safety, please follow health agency guidelines to help keep us all healthy. For more information and prevention tips, visit the Government of Canada's COVID-19 site HERE.
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Click HERE to learn how RETScreen Expert software can help your organisation quickly analyze cost savings, feasibility and emissions reductions.
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The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is Canada’s premier green health care resource network, leading the evolution of green in Canada’s health sector as a national voice and catalyst for environmental change. www.greenhealthcare.ca
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Some articles referred to in the Digest make reference to services and/or product offerings from specific suppliers. The CCGHC recommends that readers research the service and product offerings available through a wider range of suppliers for comparison purposes and in keeping with public sector purchasing guidelines. These articles should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or service. |
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