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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The Coalition has been involved in many notable projects over the past 2 decades and we would like to highlight our achievements so far! Click HERE to see our latest infographic!
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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 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!
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Green Hospital Scorecard (GHS) sponsorship opportunity
It's that time of the year where we are readying the Green Hospital Scorecards to be sent out, following which the top performers in various categories will be announced.
If you are interested in becoming a GHS award sponsor, please get in touch with our Executive Director, Neil Ritchie (neil.ritchie@greenhealthcare.ca) to begin a conversation.
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Join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary!
Imagine that. 20 years and counting! When we the Coalition first started, there wasn't any such thing as Green Health Care. When we mentioned 'green', people often thought it was just a paint colour!
Please join us in celebration over the next couple of weeks as we bring you an exciting list of webinars, podcasts, and our first trivia contest.
Trivia starts next week!
"Are YOU the Greenest of them all?"
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November 12, 2020
Menus Durables – Nourrir la santé/Sustainable Menus – Nourish Health
En français – 12pm EST Inscrivez-vous ICI.
In English – 1pm EST register HERE.
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November 26, 2020
Championing Green Health Care Podcast
Guest: Dusanka Filipovic
Founder, President and Vice Chair at Blue-Zone Technologies
We encourage you to send in questions for Dusanka to answer during the podcast, by November 10, 2020.
The more the merrier!
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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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ENERGY STAR® Canada celebrates its fifth annual ENERGY STAR Day
ENERGY STAR® Canada celebrated its fifth annual ENERGY STAR Day earlier this week on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. It takes place every year on the fourth Tuesday of October and the purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the important role that energy efficiency plays in helping Canadians combat climate change; and to celebrate the great strides our participants, stakeholders and citizens have made together in saving energy.
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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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Shift needed from what weather will be, to ‘what the weather will do’
The State of Climate Services 2020 Report: Move from Early Warnings to Early Action, released earlier this month by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), underscored the need to switch to impact-based forecasting – an evolution from “what the weather will be” to “what the weather will do” so that people and businesses can act early, based on the warnings. “Early warning systems constitute a prerequisite for effective disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Being prepared and able to react at the right time, in the right place, can save many lives and protect the livelihoods of communities everywhere,” Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of WMO, said in a foreword to the report.
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Climate crisis toll on First Nations’ food supply
Climate change is taking a growing toll on First Nations in Canada, depleting food sources and affecting health, Human Rights Watch said in a report released last week. The Canadian government is not adequately supporting First Nations’ efforts to adapt to the mounting crisis and is failing to do its part to reduce the global greenhouse gas emissions that are driving it. The 120-page report, “‘My Fear is Losing Everything’: The Climate Crisis and First Nations’ Right to Food in Canada,” documents how climate change is reducing First Nations’ traditional food sources, driving up the cost of imported alternatives, and contributing to a growing problem of food insecurity and related negative health impacts.
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Sustainable health care virtual challenge
Emerging Leaders for Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare (ELESH) is launching their sustainable health care virtual challenge and are recruiting student teams of two to five from across Canada to address the problem of single-use products in a five-day challenge running Nov 13 - Nov 17.
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Ottawa Greening Health Care Journal Club
Canada’s public sector plays a vital role in achieving national carbon targets. Health care contributes to ~4.6% of Canadian carbon emissions, yet the conservative nature of medicine makes our sector slow to respond. The Ottawa Greening Health care Journal Club aims to improve literacy of measuring sustainability in hospitals. Topics on climate accounting, prioritization and pragmatic behaviour change will build to a yearly event where projects are co-designed.
Learning objectives: Carbon footprinting in health care, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in health care and change management
Frequency: Monthly
Every month on the Last Mon, 2 occurrence(s)
Next session: Nov 30, 2020 04:00 PM EST
Format: 1 hour zoom meeting. The presenter will provide a 10-20mins summary of the paper/report/training course which will be recorded through zoom. Clarification questions are encouraged, but participants should note this opening summary is being recorded. Then there will be an open discussion that is not recorded.
Membership: Ontario based health care community
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Used masks and gloves are showing up on beaches and in oceans
The pandemic has not only upended millions of lives around the world, it's now threatening the world's oceans. Pandemic-generated waste, such as discarded disposable masks, gloves and wipes are floating into waterways and oceans. The proof is in the waste that's already washed ashore on beaches in the past several months. As many as 62,210 PPE items, including single-use masks and gloves were collected during the annual International Coastal Cleanup event last month. It's the world's largest volunteer effort, held every September, involving participants from dozens of countries who remove and log a sample volume of plastics and marine waste from the ocean and waterways. This year, 76 countries participated in the clean up and collected at least 1.6 million pounds of trash, including tens of thousands of PPE products.
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Tim Hortons to test deposit program for returnable coffee cups and packaging
Tim Hortons has signed a deal with TerraCycle's Loop program to test an option that would allow customers to pay a deposit and receive their order in reusable, returnable cups and food packaging. Once the customer is done they could return the cups and other containers to a participating restaurant and have their deposit refunded. Tim Hortons says the cups and food containers would then be cleaned, sanitized and used again.
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Anchor Collaborative Program launch webinar
Nourish is seeking its next cohort for a two-year leadership innovation program that will support health care and community collaborations innovating through food to build health for people and the planet. Tune in on Tuesday, November 24th, from 12pm-1:30pm ET for the recruitment kickoff webinar to learn about the 6-month capacity building period that precedes the cohort selection.
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Canadian foodservice is well-placed to embrace the federal single-use plastic ban
Canada is officially moving to go greener. The federal government proclaimed this month that it intends to ban certain single-use plastics by the end of next year. Given that the announcement focused on foodservice items like plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and certain takeout containers, this plastic ban may seem at face value a tall order for restaurateurs and operators to adhere to. But, while the pandemic certainly hasn’t made things any easier, the foodservice industry is largely well-positioned to embrace the change. With everything that’s happened in 2020, it’s easy to forget that in the pre-COVID-19 world – which seems a lifetime ago, in many respects – there was already a visible trend towards more environmentally-conscious operations in the Canadian foodservice industry.
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Robotic systems for disinfecting surfaces in hospital rooms and other health care environments
In 2017, CADTH’s horizon scanning service reviewed a portable pulsed-xenon ultraviolet (UV) light system, a then-emerging technology to supplement existing cleaning and disinfection processes in hospital rooms. Since then, robotic UV light disinfection systems have been subject to health technology assessment and automated devices that use hydrogen peroxide vapour (vaporous hydrogen peroxide [VHP]) to disinfect surfaces have emerged. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about the potential role of robotic disinfection systems in this context have been raised.
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COVID-19 open funding opportunities
Innovative Solutions Canada has dedicated funding to help combat current and future outbreaks of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and other similar threats. This program will help support the Government of Canada's fight against COVID-19 by funding R&D and testing prototypes in real-life settings that can help protect Canadians.
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COVID-19 resources for EVS professional 2020
AHE's continually updated COVID-19 resource page is filled with guidance, education and tools to assist EVS leaders in reducing the spread of infection.
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Visit the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) in Ottawa
The Mobile Electric Vehicle Education Trailer (MEET) is an EV Discovery Centre on wheels that can remain active in one location for weeks or months at a time. It comes equipped with trained EV specialists, informational displays about the benefits of driving electric in Canada as well as an EV test drive activity. The MEET is onsite at IKEA Ottawa from October to December 2020. Appointments available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Book your appointment HERE.
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APMA unveils winning design for Project Arrow, an all-Canadian concept EV
After months of consideration, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association has unveiled the design for Project Arrow. The winning proposal, dubbed Traction, from Carleton University’s School of Industrial Design, was picked as part of a national competition that drew nine submissions, three of which made it to the final round. Project Arrow, introduced at CES 2020, aims to produce a full-build, zero-emission concept vehicle “that will showcase what Canada’s world-class automotive supply sector, its auto-tech SMEs and academic institutions can do on the global stage if we work together,” according to an announcement earlier this month.
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Ford and Fiat Chrysler EV agreements help secure the future of Canada’s auto sector
As of a month ago Canada was just a speck on the global EV manufacturing map. We couldn’t honestly claim to be in the global race to electrify the automotive sector. An analysis published earlier this year by the International Council on Clean Transportation and Pembina Institute found that while Canada ranked 12th globally in vehicle production, EV production was a miniscule 0.4 per cent of that total and well off the average of 2.3 per cent amongst auto producing nations.
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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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CHES - CALL for Submissions - Canadian Healthcare Facilities - Winter Issue / APPEL à communications - Canadian Healthcare Facilities - Numéro d’hiver
The Winter 2020/2021 issue of CHES's Journal, Canadian Healthcare Facilities (CHF), is currently seeking article submissions related to the following topics: Health care Development, Security & Life Safety, and Emergency Preparedness & Response. / Canadian Healthcare Facilities (CHF), la revue de la SCISS, a ouvert sa période de soumissions d’articles pour son édition de l'hiver 2020-2021. Les thèmes suivants sont à l’honneur : Développement des soins de la santé, Sécurité et sûreté des personnes, État de préparation et riposte aux urgences.
If you are interested in submitting an article, please contact the Journal's Editor, Clare Tattersall, at claret@mediaedge.ca with the proposed topic. The final deadline for all pre-approved article submissions is Friday November 20th. / Si vous souhaitez soumettre un article, veuillez contacter le rédacteur en chef de la revue, Clare Tattersall, à claret@mediaedge.ca et lui proposer votre sujet. L’échéance pour soumettre tous les articles préapprouvés est le vendredi 20 novembre 2020.
Deadline for all approved article submissions is Friday, November 20, 2020 /
La date limite pour la soumission de tous les articles préapprouvés est le vendredi 20 novembre 2020.
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Canadian Boiler Society (CBS) 2020 Virtual Educational Series
Join the Canadian Boiler Society on November 10 at 11:00-12:00pm ET for an Educational Session focusing in Steam Quality Monitoring Methods and Improvements - Presented by TGWT Clean Technologies as well as Design and Optimization of a Low-NOx Combustion System for an Opposed-Fired Utility Boiler - Presented by Brais Malouin & Associates (BMA).
Learn more and register HERE.
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Virtual symposium: Planning resilient communities and adapting rural health services in responding to climate change and ecosystem disruption
Running from November 30 - December 1, 2020, this virtual two-day research symposium will explore how climate change and ecosystem disruption impacts BC’s rural, remote and Indigenous communities, building resilience in response to climate change and ecosystem disruption. The goal of the event is to create a learning community in exploring and understanding the effects of ecosystem disruption on the health of rural, remote and Indigenous communities in BC.
Sessions:
- Amplifying youth voices for climate justice: Nov 30, 9:00am - 11:00am PST
- Community voice and system perspectives: Nov 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST
- Exploring rural health strategies to climate change: Dec 1, 9:00am - 10:30am PST
- Accountability framework and summary of progress: Dec1, 1:00pm to 2:30pm PST
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A great biodiversity podcast series is back with three new episodes
Hosted by Professor Ann Dale, WHAT THE F*** IS BIODIVERSITY explores the incredible world of biodiversity, how it provides for us in our day to day lives and what we can all do to protect it now.
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Register for the 2020 Pollution Probe Conference & Gala
The 2020 Pollution Probe N-O-T Conference and Gala is taking place on Tuesday, November 17 at 1:00 P.M. EST, and this year it's FREE! Yes, free! Everyone is encouraged to participate in this year's conversation on environmental inequity in Canada.
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Webinar series: Changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to protect vulnerable populations from hazardous chemicals
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) has announced a series of webinars focused on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), our country's main environmental legislation used to evaluate and manage substances. In this webinar series, they explore how CEPA can be strengthened to protect vulnerable communities, including children, women of childbearing age, workers, people of low income, and Indigenous communities from toxic exposures, using improved, modern approaches to advance prevention strategies from hazardous substances.
Learn more and register HERE.
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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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CHES 2020 Webinar Series
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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