Energy Efficiency and Solar Program

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency program involves engaging with health services and conducting energy audits.

So far, energy audits have been supported in:

• Barwon South-West region: 9 health services
• Grampians region: 7 health services
• Gippsland region: 6 health services
• Loddon-Mallee region: 11 health services
• Hume region: 10 health services
• Statewide providers: 3 providers
• Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations: 25 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

The program then procures and implements selected audit recommendations. As of April 2024, initiatives have been selected for implementation in the Thomas Embling Hospital, Dental Health Services Victoria, and the Barwon South-West and Gippsland regions.

Solar

The solar program involves engaging with health services to identify opportunities to install solar.

So far, solar arrays have been approved for installation at:

• St Vincent's Health: 68 kilowatt-peak
• Peninsula Health: 198 kilowatt-peak
• Northern Health: 1,175 kilowatt-peak
• Barwon Health: 582 kilowatt-peak
• Melbourne Health: 313 kilowatt-peak
• Eastern Health: 350 kilowatt-peak
• Swan Hill District Health: 30 kilowatt-peak
• Monash Health: 1,107 kilowatt-peak
• Western Health: 261 kilowatt-peak
• Goulburn Valley Health: 100 kilowatt-peak
• Austin Health: 897 kilowatt-peak

Once fully implemented, it is estimated that these solar arrays will avoid 5,500 tonnes of greenhouse gases from grid electricity. This will save some $1.2 million in electricity costs every year.

We are continuing to engage with health services to identify more opportunities for solar.

The Energy Efficiency and Solar Program aims to achieve the following benefits:

Improved health outcomes

• We acknowledge the connection between the health and wellbeing of Victorians and the health of our environment. Energy efficiency initiatives can lead to improved comfort and environmental conditions for patients at health services. Additionally, solar programs reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, minimising the impact of Victoria's healthcare system on the environment.

Cost savings for healthcare facilities

• Energy efficiency initiatives can help reduce health facilities' energy consumption and operating costs, leading to long-term savings.
• Solar programs provide an affordable source of renewable energy, reducing dependence on grid electricity.
• These cost savings can be reinvested into the healthcare facilities, leading to improved quality of care and comfort for patients.

Climate change

• This program will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change by promoting the use of clean, renewable energy sources.

The Victorian Health Building Authority and health services sought proposals from suitably qualified companies to deliver energy efficiency audits and implement selected energy efficiency projects.

The following suppliers have been selected to conduct energy audits and/or implement works: 

• Dental Health Services Victoria – Bridgeford Group
• Ambulance Victoria – HFM Asset Management, Energy Makeovers, Viney Plumbing
• Thomas Embling Hospital – Bridgeford Group
• Barwon Southwest region – FG Advisory
• Gippsland region – HFM Asset Management
• Loddon Mallee region – FG Advisory
• Grampians region – DETA Consulting
• Hume region – DETA Consulting
• VACCHO – Cushman Wakefield.

Commencement of energy efficiency projects

• Dental Health Services Victoria: November 2022
• Ambulance Victoria: February 2023
• Thomas Embling Hospital: April 2023
• Barwon South-West region: June 2023
• Gippsland region: August 2023
• Grampians region: November 2023
• Loddon Mallee region: January 2024
• Hume region: February 2024
• VACCHO: February 2024.

Commencement of solar projects

• St Vincent's Health: January 2023
• Peninsula Health: August 2023
• Northern Health: August 2023
• Barwon Health: August 2023
• Melbourne Health: October 2023
• Eastern Health: October 2023
• Swan Hill District Health: December 2023
• Monash Health: December 2023
• Western Health: February 2024
• Goulburn Valley Health: February 2024
• Austin Health: April 2024.