Building a Greener Healthcare System – with Lea Cote and Myles Boonstra

Every healthcare visit has an environmental footprint. Although you may not notice it right away, sustainability practices need to be in every aspect of healthcare, ranging from items bought and used within the facility, to the energy that powers it.

At Shared Health, the Environmental Sustainability and Energy team works behind the scenes to help advance initiatives that combine healthcare operations with sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact while supporting public health and operational resilience.

“Environmental sustainability in healthcare is crucial; it directly connects to the well-being of both the planet and the people who rely on it.  A healthy planet – clean air, clean water, healthy soil – supports healthy lives,” shared Lea Cote, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator.

“By finding small, yet impactful changes, we’re helping create a more sustainable future for healthcare, one step at a time.”

The Environmental Sustainability and Energy team consists of professionals in engineering, waste management and sustainability planning who work collaboratively to support greener, more efficient healthcare operations across Manitoba.

“Environmental sustainability in healthcare isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint—it’s about protecting the health of Manitobans today and into the future,” said Myles Boonstra, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Energy.

Although the changes they make may not always be visible, Boonstra’s team is committed to enhancing the resilience, efficiency and environmental responsibility of healthcare. Their focus is on advocating for upgrades to aging infrastructure, advancing energy efficiency, reducing healthcare-generated waste through recycling, composting and hazardous waste programs, and transitioning to renewable energy where possible. They also collaborate with government and health organizations to influence policy. Each of these initiatives significantly impacts emissions, costs, and overall quality of patient care.

 “Everyone in our health system plays a role in these changes. It’s a team effort, with shared goals we’re all striving to achieve. Nothing would be possible without the collective contribution of each department and individual,” Boonstra added

The Environmental Sustainability and Energy team has seen the tangible impacts working with Environmental Services. Notable achievements include replacing more than 1,000 cardboard biomedical boxes with reusable alternatives, significantly reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, they increased composting efforts to more than 33 tonnes, diverting food waste from landfills and reducing methane emissions.

From an energy performance perspective, the Women’s Hospital at Health Sciences Centre is a standout example of innovation and forward thinking; showcasing what is achievable when sustainability is prioritized from the beginning. It ranks among the highest-performing hospitals in North America in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Looking ahead, the team is developing energy management dashboards to provide healthcare facilities with insights into their energy use, emissions and performance trends. These dashboards will empower facility teams to take ownership of their energy footprint and track progress toward a more sustainable future.

“Every data point tells a story, and we’re using those stories to drive action, inform investments, and highlight leadership in the system,” explained Boonstra.

“Our vision is a healthcare system that leads by example. It’s about setting a direction, building capacity, and driving systemic change while delivering exceptional care and minimizing our environmental footprint – all while strengthening resilience in the face of climate change.”

Earth Day serves as a reminder to remain committed to environmental sustainability. While the Environmental Sustainability and Energy team engages in sustainable projects year-round, Earth Day provides an opportunity to emphasize the importance of these initiatives and celebrate the collective efforts across our province that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Aussi disponible en français.