Ambulance Victoria (AV) has been recognised as a global leader in the transition to climate- smart health care, recently named as a winner in the 2023 Health Care Climate Challenge.
An initiative of Health Care Without Harm, the Health Care Climate Challenge engages and equips health care institutions to commit to effective climate action while building collective impact across countries and borders.
Ambulance Victoria Director Sustainability Katrina Summersett said it was an honour to receive silver awards for Climate Leadership and Climate Resilience.
"We are incredibly proud to be recognized for our efforts to reduce AV's climate footprint and our ongoing work adapting to be resilient to the impacts of climate change," Ms Summersett said.
"AV is committed to becoming a leading sustainable health service and it's a privilege to be among 350 global health care institutions leading the charge towards a sustainable future."
The Climate Leadership award acknowledged AV's work to reduce emissions through initiatives including commencing the transition of the AV fleet to electric vehicles, retro fitting of buildings with energy efficient lighting and transitioning over 90 per of AV sites to 100% 'GreenPower'.
For Climate Resilience, AV was recognised for projects including joining the Upper Murray Energy Resilience and Reliability Project to help address electricity supply in the region and commencing a project for the installation of back-up generators at several branches across the state.
Ms Summersett said all health services have a role to play in preparing for climate change.
"At AV we are committed to investing in a sustainable future, for our people, our patients and the community," she said.
"Our vision for social and environmental responsibility is inherently linked to our commitment in enhancing the delivery of Best Care to every patient, every time.
"We celebrate these awards and look forward to the work ahead as we strive to make sustainability part of what we do every day, and into the future."
