Bupa is working to reduce the environmental impact of the healthcare sector by addressing the use of single-use items (SUIs).
The healthcare sector contributes 4.4% of global emissions and generates millions of tonnes of waste annually, a significant share of which comes from disposable medical products.
In collaboration with Health Care Without Harm, Bupa has released a report detailing strategies for reducing SUIs while maintaining patient care standards.
Roger Sharp, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at Bupa Asia Pacific, said the healthcare industry must play a role in minimising waste.
“There is an urgent need to tackle the waste that the healthcare industry generates – particularly that from single-use items – and this report aims to increase visibility of the issue, spotlight organisations making positive progress, and showcase solutions that are currently available,” he said.
Bupa has taken steps to reduce its reliance on disposable materials, including replacing plastic medicine cups with stainless-steel alternatives in its New Zealand aged care facilities. In its Australian dental practices, the company has introduced biodegradable materials such as cassava-based tray covers and headrests.
Gary Cohen, president and co-founder of Health Care Without Harm, said reducing SUIs aligns with the healthcare sector’s broader responsibility to minimise environmental harm.
“The report is a first step in this essential process to help healthcare come into greater alignment with its ethical mission to first, do no harm,” he said.
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The report recommended that healthcare providers reassess waste management policies, engage suppliers in sustainable sourcing, and invest in research to support emissions reduction.
It also highlighted work by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute’s “Transitions to Sustainable Health Systems” consortium, where Bupa is involved in identifying pathways to lower emissions in Australia's healthcare sector.
Additionally, Bupa UK has launched a partnership with the University of Manchester to explore methods for reducing the environmental impact of healthcare operations.
At the same time, Australian insurers are implementing strategies to manage climate risks and transition toward net-zero emissions.
The ICA’s 2024 report, “Towards a Net-Zero and Resilient Future,” outlines commitments made by insurers and their preparations for incoming climate-related regulations.
According to the roadmap, 85% of insurers surveyed have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with 50% aiming for operational net-zero by 2030. Additionally, 63% have linked climate-related performance metrics to executive remuneration.
The insurance sector is also preparing for mandatory climate disclosures, which will take effect for large Australian businesses in early 2025. More than half of survey respondents have already engaged with similar frameworks in other jurisdictions.
The report also outlined strategies insurers are using to mitigate climate risks, including incentives for climate-resilient home improvements and policies that support sustainable rebuilding efforts after disasters.
