In Short : Renewable energy plays a crucial role in the transition towards a net-zero emissions future. By harnessing clean sources of power like solar, wind, or hydro, organizations like BaptistCare can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease their greenhouse gas emissions.
In Detail : BaptistCare NSW and ACT have entered into a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Flow Power, one of Australia’s fastest-growing energy retailers.
This agreement, effective from January 2025, commits BaptistCare to sourcing around 15,000 megawatt hours annually from solar and wind farms in NSW. (Roughly the equivalent of what it takes to power 1400 homes for one year)
This renewable energy will power their operations, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of their New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory branches by 70% compared to 2022 baseline scope 1 and 2 emissions, which refer to: Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy.
The move is expected to save approximately 11,000 tonnes of carbon annually, equivalent to removing 25,000 petrol-powered cars from the road over the agreement’s 10-year duration.
Other aged care providers committing to renewable energy include New Zealand and Australian provider Ryman Healthcare who recently announced a deal to build New Zealand’s first retirement village-exclusive solar farm.
In addition to the PPA, BaptistCare is implementing various sustainability initiatives, including solar panel installations at aged care homes and efforts to reduce scope 3 emissions through improved recycling practices.
The partnership aligns with global environmental discussions, such as COP28, that highlight the linkage between climate and health.