GPs embrace Low Carbon Doctors Initiative

THE push to ‘green’ general practice across Australia is gaining momentum with 20 new practices participating in Medical Observer’s Low Carbon Doctors Initiative.

The 20 practices have won a competition to share in $40,000 worth of resources that will help them reduce their carbon footprint to become either low carbon or carbon neutral.

The prize includes a full carbon audit, conducted by the Carbon Reduction Institute. A consultant will calculate the practices’ annual carbon emissions and then provide guidance on how to reduce these, and can also advise on the number of carbon credits that can be purchased to offset emissions.

The practices will be inspired by Sydney’s Glebe Family Medical Practice, which recently signed up to become the first carbon-neutral practice in Australia.

Practice principal Dr Charlotte Hespe said: “If everyone does their small bit, we can all make a difference.”

For more on going green visit www.medicalobserver.com.au/green.

Congratulations to the winners below, each of whom will receive a carbon audit and ongoing support to reduce CO₂ emissions, valued at over $2000.
Dr Lockwood Wilson – Warana, Qld
Dr Jerry Schwartz – Matraville, NSW
Dr Stuart Paterson – East Fremantle, Vic
Dr Paul O’Brien – Ballina, NSW
Dr Ross Dunstan – Quinns Rocks, WA
Dr Adele Stewart – Woonona, NSW
Dr Sarkis Douaihy – Marrickville, NSW
Dr Jayne Ingham – North Lakes, Qld
Dr David Hasoon – Cleveland, Qld
Dr Ponnuthurai Paransothy – Pakenham, Vic
Dr Siva Krishnan – Kelmscott, WA
Dr Albert Tran – Rosemeadow, NSW
Dr Ed Olszewski – Forrestfield, WA
Dr Kylie Booth – Adelaide, SA
Dr Margaret Harris – Berwick, Vic
Dr Mark Zagorski - Mount Beauty, Vic
Andrea Vaccaro – Goodwood, SA
Dr Bob Riessen – Blackwood, SA
Dr Sandra Bayley – Alderley, Qld
Dr Chanaka Amarasinghe – McCrae, Vic