News
New solar power system to make Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital greener
Feb 24, 2022
Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital has unveiled a new solar panel system set to make the Central Queensland hospital more sustainable.
The 275 kilowatt (kW) system, introduced as part of Ramsay Health Care’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, will save more than 6,360 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifespan.
Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital CEO, Fiona Hebbard, said the new system is the equivalent of taking 115 cars off the road.
“Installing solar panels is great for the environment and creating a more sustainable hospital for the future,” Ms Hebbard said.
“We live in the Sunshine State so it makes sense to use our natural resources to assist in powering our hospital.
“As planned, the installation was seamless, our patients likely would not have even noticed the work going on above them.”
Hillcrest Rockhampton is the sixth Ramsay Health Care site to have solar panels installed under a national initiative, as part of its sustainability strategy which focuses on creating stronger communities, healthier people and a thriving planet.
Ramsay Health Care is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and addressing climate change head on through meaningful sustainability initiatives.
The solar installation follows Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital’s decision to reduce plastic water bottles and replace single use plastic items, such as disposable cutlery, with recyclable alternatives. Since June 2020, this has kept more than 123,000 single use plastic items out of landfill. The hospital also recycles items including batteries, printer cartridges and cardboard.
Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital has several more sustainability initiatives planned for 2022, including an upgrade to energy efficient LED lights to further reduce its carbon footprint. Upgrading more than 600 lights to an LED alternative will save more than 110 additional tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
