Greening up – Environmental sustainability in general practice

Good clinical practice can be both high quality and low carbon.

As Australia faces the increasing adverse health impacts of climate change, general practice must actively contribute to the preservation of our environment and planetary health.

The RACGP’s Environmental sustainability in general practice resource will support Australian GPs and their practice teams to reduce their environmental footprint. The resource can be used by practices in all corners of Australia to become a more environmentally sustainable practice as well as identify, reduce and manage the adverse health effects of climate change. This includes actions on reducing energy consumption, prescribing decisions and advocating on behalf of patients for effective climate change policy and action.

About this resource

This resource will help general practitioners and their practice reduce their environmental impact while improving outcomes for patients and staff.

It provides information on:

• climate change and its impacts on human health
• the role of GPs and practice staff in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability
• actions at an individual, practice and population level to minimise the carbon footprint (both clinical and non-clinical).

Many options, tools and resources are available for you to start your journey towards more sustainable clinical practice. The important thing is to pick an area that resonates and make a start¹.