St. Joe’s is known as a place of healing and recovery, where healthcare professionals work tirelessly to save lives and improve the well-being of patients. While this is undoubtedly true, St. Joe’s has added a new element of caring through its commitment to look after the environment at the same time as it tends to patients.  

While the St. Joe’s sustainability plan is a well- documented strategy, it is also a reflection of the remarkable qualities and values embodied by the dedicated individuals within our organization. It represents the passion, teamwork, innovation, adaptability, commitment to learning, community engagement and accountability of St. Joe’s.   

At the heart of every meaningful sustainability endeavor is a genuine passion for change. The team at St. Joe’s is driven by a shared purpose: to make a positive impact on our environment and communities. This deep-rooted passion is the driving force behind our sustainability plan, reflecting the St. Joe’s Green Team’s unwavering commitment to making a difference.   

With the overall collective objective of meeting the federal and provincial mandates to reduce 40% of our carbon footprint by 2030 and to achieve 0% carbon emissions by 2050, this year alone St. Joe’s has implemented initiatives that have helped remove 244 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) – which is the same as removing 53 cars off the road. “Staff and physicians were surprised at how much we’ve already done to reduce waste and energy, but we’ve got a way to go yet, explains Karen Langstaff, chief facility planning and patient support services. “The response to help has been truly impressive and I believe it's because our mission extends beyond treating illness; it’s also about safeguarding the environment upon which our health depends.”  

Sustainability often demands innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. Our team’s inventive spirit is evident in the St. Joe’s sustainability plan, which outlines ground breaking initiatives and inventive strategies. On June 1, 2023 the City of Hamilton recognized St. Joe’s as Smart Commute Employer of the Year for demonstrating exceptional efforts and achievement in promoting smart travel options for staff. What was once a shipping container is now a unique storage facility at West 5th campus that supports healthcare workers to securely lock their bikes after their active commute to work. Since its opening, St. Joe’s has seen great participation and regular usage of the facility.  

As Ontario continues to confront the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, St. Joe’s is demonstrating their commitment to both patient care and the well-being of the planet by taking the lead in sustainability initiatives. Recognizing that landfill waste contributes to pollution and greenhouse gases which in turn can have adverse effects on respiratory problems and waterborne illnesses, St. Joe’s implemented initiatives to divert landfill waste. From the transition from disposable dishware, plastic/foam meal trays to reusable safety trays, mugs and tumblers, to diverting 401.13 metric tonnes of blue bin recycling, these initiatives are all part of the team’s plan for St. Joe’s.    

“Whether it’s moving to eco-friendly products or finding novel ways to reduce waste, our team thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” says Karen. “St. Joe’s is living proof that environmental sustainability and healthcare are not mutually exclusive but rather deeply interconnected.”    

Together, the Green Team is driving positive change, and the sustainability plan is the compass that guides them on their journey toward a more sustainable and responsible future. St. Joe’s continues to look forward to continuing this journey hand in hand with our dedicated team and partners in the years to come.