The Green Digest
A Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care Initiative
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Follow us on social media!
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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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New year, new team member!
2021 is here and we sincerely hope that this year will be miles better than than the last. With the start of the new year, we are pleased to welcome a new member to the the team! Spyridon (Spiro) Tsolakis, our new Digital Marketing Coordinator, is a recent university graduate passionate about digital marketing, sustainability and improving marketing communications for non-profits and small businesses. The climate crisis has inspired him to contribute his marketing knowledge towards bettering Canada’s health care systems. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Marketing, from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. We are excited to have him on our team and look forward to doing some great work together!
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Join Health-Share, our online asset sharing platform for health care
It is with great pleasure that we announce the official launch of Health-Share, a joint sharing initiative of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (CCGHC) and FLOOW2 Healthcare in response to the COVID-19 crisis which has revealed urgent need for a national online platform to match resource supply and demand in Canada's Health sector.
Health-Share is the Sharing Marketplace for Canadian Health Care. The platform enables health care organizations, hospitals and health-related businesses to efficiently match supply of and demand for medical devices, materials, excess stock, personnel and facilities. The platform facilitates transparency and efficient matchmaking, bringing resilience and flexibility to the sector. Swap, sell, rent out or give away: have access to anything, anywhere, anytime.
Click HERE to visit Health-Share and sign up now!
For more information on getting your own sharing platform, visit https://www.health-share.ca/home.html or contact Neil Ritchie at neil.ritchie@greenhealthcare.ca.
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Did you know that you could be recognized as a Sustainability Champion?
The Coalition recognizes industry partners for their exemplary commitment to sustainability. 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.
It’s time to learn more about how your company can be recognized as a Coalition Sustainability Champion. Contact our Executive Director, Neil Ritchie at neil.ritchie@greenhealthcare.ca.
Click HERE to learn more.
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Share you greening stories with Hospital News
We encourage you to share your greening stories with Hospital News! They are seeking sustainability stories for their Green issue coming up in March. Those interested should reach out directly to Kristie at editor@hospitalnews.com with a short story outline. The deadline to receive stories is mid-February.
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Read our latest article on RETScreen Clean Energy Management Software, published in the Canadian Healthcare Facilities Journal
Kent Waddington, Communications Director at the Coalition recently had his article on RETScreen Clean Energy Management Software published in the Canadian Healthcare Facilities Journal. Focusing on the utility consumption scenario at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, the article explores how the software made energy management a breeze.
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Read the full article HERE.
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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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CMA expands commitment to fossil fuel divestment
Building on the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) commitment to a healthier planet, the Board of Directors has voted to expand the 2015 member resolution on divestment, by committing the CMA and its subsidiaries (Joule, CMA Foundation, CMA Investco Inc.) to divesting their investments in energy companies whose primary business relies on fossil fuels. This decision mirrors the growing concerns of physicians and medical learners about the health impacts of climate change.
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New single-use mask is world's first fully recyclable and compostable face mask
Made in Canada, the AVRO MASK is a non-medical, single-use face mask that is fabricated from North American-sourced materials, 100 percent cellulose filter material and 100 percent cotton lace, which, when disposed of, will not add to the global plastic waste burden.
The origami facet fold adds to the fit, comfort, and structure. The structure of the mask keeps it from collapsing in on the mouth and nose.
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The COVID-19 Resources for EVS Professionals 2020 webpage created and maintained by AHE provides up-to-date and reliable information to help battle the continuing pandemic. The resource page includes helpful training such as the COVID-19 EVS Cleaning Essentials Refresher Training Toolkit available to AHE members, and on-demand webinars that delve into some of the specific challenges faced by EVS professionals during the pandemic.
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Video: Putting food waste to good use
Igor Bjelac of the Immigrant Link Centre Society discusses how food waste donated by local grocery stores and restaurants is being put to good use.
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Smarter expiration labels a potential solution to combat the food waste crisis
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Proterra’s new line of fleet charging units enables charging of up to 20 transit buses simultaneously
In the drive to achieve 100% clean transportation, fleet electrification and charging infrastructure presents a complex challenge for many operators. Proterra’s new line of charging infrastructure features five units: the biggest, which produces 1.5 megawatt (MW) of power, is designed for large-scale fleets and allows for shift charging of up to 40 vehicles and 20 vehicles simultaneously. The four other charging systems are designed to power fleets of up to 10 vehicles, with power output ranging from 75 kilowatt (kW) to 500 kW.
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Plug 'N Drive has just released Canada's first-ever EV-buying comparison tool
With "Find Your EV Match", Canadian drivers in all provinces are able to discover their total cost of car ownership based on regional gasoline/electricity pricing, compare electric cars with gas cars and find the perfect EV match for their lifestyle.
"Find Your EV Match" includes:
- Customizable search filters that can be used to set unique daily driving distances, the duration of leasing or financing agreements, upfront down payment amounts and model year/brand preferences
- Total cost of ownership calculator customized by where you live simply by entering your postal code
- A side-by-side comparison tool that shows the difference between an electric car and an equivalent gas car
- A database of EV incentives offered in Canada
- A public charging station locator
Learn more and explore the tool HERE.
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Making new residential buildings 100 per cent EV-ready: essential and affordable
In just 15 to 20 years, most cars in Canadian cities could be electric vehicles. Supportive public policies and price parity with combustion engine vehicles in the next three to five years will be keys to speeding this transition. But beyond those two elements, the most important factor determining whether households adopt an EV as their next vehicle will be access to convenient EV charging. And the most common, convenient place to charge an EV is at home, where vehicles are parked every night.
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A BIG thank you to SaveOnEnergy for their continued financial support for the Ontario Green Health Care Award and the Ontario Energy Behaviour Award.
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McGill Nurses for Planetary Health (MNPH) is hosting its free Virtual Launch event
As part of the Virtual Launch event, MNPH has invited 5 speakers ( who would help answer the question: Why do nurses need to advocate for environmental and social/indigenous justice? this event is more relevant than ever and can be a great learning opportunity!
Date: Monday, January 25, 2021
Time: 7pm EST
Speakers: RN Fiona Hanley, RN Hilah Silver, Richard Budgell, Ellen Gabriel, and Dr. Samir Shaheen-Hussain
Learn more about speaker and register HERE.
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Clean Air Partnership webinar: Climate Lens of Combined Heat and Power
In this webinar, Juan Sotes from The Atmospheric Fund will share their analysis of the climate impact of different space heating alternatives (boilers, heat pumps, CHP) and their alignment with net-zero targets. The analysis will present direct combustion and lifecycle emissions comparisons, providing emission factors to facilitate the calculation of the GHGs of projects.
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Time: 2pm - 3pm EST
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Register for the upcoming CHES webinar on COVID-19: From the Facilities Management Front Lines
CHES invites your participation in a webinar they are hosting on Tuesday February 2, 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on Facility Management. This will be a moderated panel discussion. The webinar is free to all CHES Members and will be 1 hour. Advance registration is not required, you can register on the day of the webinar using the link below.
Date: Tuesday February 2, 2021
Time: 1PM to 2PM EST
Learn more and register HERE. |
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Circular Procurement Virtual Series 2020: Measuring Success
Circular procurement has the capacity to deliver environmental, social, and economic outcomes simultaneously. Governments of all levels are recognizing the connection between using their buying power to meet their broader environmental and social objectives. This webinar will explore and discuss how to retool procurement processes and supply chain relationships to redefine value that delivers on collective and individual societal goals.
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Time: 11:30am EST
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The 2021 ENERGY STAR® Canada Awards is now open for submissions!
ENERGY STAR Participants in Canada deserve recognition for their excellence in promoting the most energy-efficient products and new homes in Canada. ENERGY STAR has announced the opening of their 2021 ENERGY STAR Canada Awards process and are inviting you to submit your applications HERE.
Learn more about the awards HERE. |
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Upcoming webinar: Advancing Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery for Older Canadians in LTC and Community Settings
The COVID-19 pandemic had its greatest impact on older Canadians and globally accounting for 95% of Canada’s deaths. The challenges experienced by older Canadians during major emergency events such as floods, fires, pandemics, has demonstrated the need for improvements in preparedness planning targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in our society.
Dr. Sinha, author of the report, Closing the Gaps: Advancing Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery for Older Adults will provide an overview of its 29 evidence-based recommendations of this National Institute for Ageing and Canadian Red Cross report issued last month highlighting evidence-based interventions focusing on improving outcomes for older adults in Long-Term Care and community settings for older Canadians living at home. The report draws on evidence-based principles in emergency preparedness as well as key learnings from our current pandemic response.
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Time: 1pm - 2pm EST
Price: $65 (including GST and fees)
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Canadian College of Health Leaders call for nomination: Energy & Environmental Stewardship Award
This award recognizes a progressive health care organization that has implemented organizational wide initiatives demonstrating environmental responsibility through the reduction of energy usage, the preservation of natural resources and effective waste diversion solutions. Possible initiatives include the implementation of energy efficient building systems and solutions, comprehensive energy and environmental awareness programs, waste management initiatives, and green procurement practices.
Deadline for Nomination: February 1, 2021.
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CHES - 2021 Webinar Series
12pm - 1pm EST
Wednesday January 27, 2021 - Update to CSA Z317.2 (HVAC)
Speakers: Gordon Burrill, P.Eng., CCHFM, FASHE, CHFM, CHC; Nick Stark, P.Eng., CED, LEED AP, ICD.D
Wednesday February 24, 2021 - Refrigeration Retrofits to low GWP Refrigerants & How the Choices effect Capacity and Operation
Speaker: Jeff French; Steve McTaggart
Wednesday March 24, 2021 - Building Science 101: Understanding Building Air Leakage and the effects on Your Building Envelope
Speakers: Steven Tratt
Wednesday April 21, 2021- Understanding and Preventing Floor Covering Failure
Speaker: Chris Maskell
Wednesday May 12, 2021 - Infection Prevention Through Design & Innovation
Speaker: Vicky Diab, BA
Wednesday June 16, 2021 - Operating Rooms - Isolated Power Systems and Class A GFCIs in Operating Rooms
Speaker: Amir Mojtahed, B.Eng., M. Eng.; Sonny Solanki, B.Eng.
Wednesday September 22, 2021 - Resilient Building Design for Hospitals in the Face of Climate Change
Speaker: Gord Rajewski, R.E.T.
Wednesday November 17, 2021 - Roof Maintenance
Speaker: Ted Katsoris, B.Tech, BSS, CCCA
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SCISS – Webinaires 2021
12pm - 1pm EST
Mercredi 27 janvier 2021 – Actualisation de la norme CSA Z317.2 (CVCA)
Orateurs: Gordon Burrill, P.Eng., CCHFM, FASHE, CHFM, CHC; Nick Stark, P.Eng., CED, LEED AP, ICD.D
Mercredi 24 février 2021 – Modernisation de la réfrigération grâce aux réfrigérants à faible PRP - Manière dont les choix affectent la capacité et le fonctionnement
Orateur: Jeff French; Steve McTaggart
Mercredi 24 mars 2021 – Science du bâtiment 101 : Comprendre les fuites d’air d’un bâtiment et leurs effets sur son enveloppe
Orateurs: Steven Tratt
Mercredi 21 avril 2021 – Comprendre et prévenir l’inefficacité des revêtements de sol
Orateur: Chris Maskell
Mercredi 12 mai 2021 – Prévention des infections fondée sur la conception et l’innovation
Orateur: Vicky Diab, BA
Mercredi 16 juin 2021 – Salles d’opération – Isolation des réseaux électriques et DDFT de classe A dans les salles d’opération
Orateur: Amir Mojtahed, B.Eng., M. Eng.; Sonny Solanki, B.Eng.
Mercredi 22 septembre 2021 - Conception d’établissements hospitaliers résilients face au changement climatique
Orateur: Gord Rajewski, R.E.T.
Mercredi 17 novembre 2021 - Entretien des toits
Orateur: Ted Katsoris, B.Tech, BSS, CCCA
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CHES 2021 Awards - Call for Nominations
CHES is seeking nominations for the 2021 awards. Members are reminded to nominate a deserving member or facility for one of these prestigious awards.
Hans Burgers Award for Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Engineering
This award is presented to a resident of Canada as a mark of recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of health care engineering. Candidates must be members of CHES and the achievements can be either a series of contributions or one outstanding contribution.
Wayne McLellan Award of Excellence in Healthcare Facilities Management
This award recognizes facilities that have had outstanding success in the completion of a major capital project, an energy efficiency program, an environmental stewardship program, or in a team building exercise.
Deadline for submissions: April 30, 2021
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CleanMed 2021 is going virtual and your ideas are welcome - Just one more day left!
For the past 20 years, CleanMed has been an in-person event, and in 2021, like so many other events, it will happen virtually. This shift prompts the opportunity to reach more people, new audiences, amplify more diverse voices, and feature innovative ideas. Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm are exploring new and innovative approaches for the event. They look forward to working with you on their “call for presenters.” They want to hear about you and your communities, the problems you are facing and learning to overcome, your big and broad ideas for presentation topics that reflect innovative solutions for healing the supply chain, building disaster hardiness, delivering sustainable and resilient health care, and who you would like to see at the table. From your contributions, Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm will develop a program for May 18-20 that reflects a collective vision of learning and inspiration around resilience and sustainability in health care.
Submission deadline: January 15, 2021
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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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