Please note that the awards nomination campaign will launch on October 1, at which time the online nomination form and the nomination template will become available.
The Award
This award recognizes a progressive healthcare organization that has implemented organizational wide initiatives demonstrating environmental responsibility through the reduction of energy usage, the preservation of natural resources and effective waste diversion solutions. Possible initiatives include the implementation of energy efficient building systems and solutions, comprehensive energy and environmental awareness programs, waste management initiatives, and green procurement practices.
The recipient will receive an etched glass trophy and a framed certificate of recognition. Should the future permit us to return to an in-person event, one representative of the winning organization will also receive paid travel and accommodations to the College’s Honouring Health Leadership event, and a complimentary registration to attend the CCHL National Conference. In addition, the winner will receive $2,000 cash prize to be directed to the organization’s foundation or charity of choice.
Eligibility
All Canadian healthcare organizations are eligible for this award, regardless of size. However, the following criteria must be satisfied:
- demonstrate steps taken to ensure sustainability of environmental initiatives (i.e. energy conservation; water savings; waste disposal and/or diversion initiatives);
- show evidence of results achieved through the implementation of environmental initiatives;
- illustrate initiatives taken to engage staff and the community;
- explain how these initiatives have resulted in an improvement in the overall indoor environment for patients and staff; and
- provide evidence that a culture of sustainability and environmental leadership are in line with the corporate business plan endorsed by the senior management team.
Nominations
Nominations must be made by a member of the College who is an employee of the nominated organization. Nominations must be submitted by February 1.
Nominations must be submitted as one PDF file via the team and organization award online form and include the following:
- a completed nomination form (to be completed online);
- a letter of support from the chief executive officer or other C-level designate, who is a member of the College; and
- using the nomination template, describe the energy and environmental stewardship program undertaken, including results. Describe any additional benefits achieved by the facility as a result of the program.
Sponsored by:
2023 Recipient: Unity Health Toronto
Unity Health has implemented organizational wide initiatives demonstrating stewardship in sustainability through the reduction of energy usage, the conservation of natural resources, and waste diversion – from energy efficient building systems and solutions, sustainability awareness programs, and waste management initiatives. With Unity Health’s aspirational goals, the organisation is well on its journey towards sustainable and net zero healthcare. The Director of Project Engineering and Energy created an Energy Team in 2019, and since then, Unity Health has had three years of consistent energy savings.
In 2022, Unity Health implemented various projects that resulted in significant savings in electricity and water consumption, such as LED lighting retrofit and chiller plant optimization. In 2021, Unity Health received multiple awards, including the Energy Manager of the Year Award for the organization’s commitment to energy-efficient practices and top-performing Canadian hospital awards from the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care in sustainability leadership, pollution prevention, and energy (awarded to Providence).
Past Recipients
Please see our most recent recipients listed below. Full details are available in our Celebrating Leading Practices booklets.
2023 – Unity Health Toronto
2022 – Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel
2021 – Woodstock Hospital
2020 – Vancouver Island Health Authority
2019 – Nova Scotia Health Authority
2018 – Markham Stouffville Hospital
2017 – Horizon Health Network
2016 – University Health Network
2015 – Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
2014 – Trillium Health Partners
2013 – Vancouver Island Health Authority
2012 – The Ottawa Hospital
2011 – Interior Health Authority