Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is pioneering a greener future, with a 12-month eBike pilot program aiming to cut carbon emissions, now underway across the District.
As part of the pilot, population health staff at the Wallsend campus can swap their cars for environmentally friendly eBikes and ride them to other health facilities in the Newcastle area, such as John Hunter Hospital, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle.
HNELHD Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, Dr Ramsey Awad, said the program was another achievement in the District’s sustainability efforts.
“Our health strategy prioritises both environmental and financial sustainability, and innovative initiatives like this will be instrumental in reaching net zero,” Dr Awad said.
“This is an exciting program, allowing staff to contribute to a healthier environment while improving their wellbeing through active travel.”
“It was made possible through savings achieved via our other sustainability efforts, including LED lighting that have been rolled out across our hospitals, and solar panels – with John Hunter Hospital having the largest solar installation of any healthcare facility in the southern hemisphere.”
Staff received comprehensive eBike safety training from Sydney-based education provider Pedal Set Go; trialling the mode of transport between the District’s Wallsend campus and other health facilities in the Newcastle area.
Rebecca Jackson, a program participant, is looking forward to the health benefits and convenience eBikes offer.
“Pedal Set Go’s training made me feel confident on the road. It would be wonderful to see other agencies and institutions using similar programs like this,” Ms Jackson said.
The eBikes were sourced from local Newcastle-based business, Newcastle Electric Bikes.
The District’s ambitious goal to achieve zero carbon emissions from all fleet vehicles by 2030, part of the Sustainable Healthcare – Together Towards Zero strategy is well underway, with 14 per cent of its current fleet composed of hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
