22 April 2026
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s GreenED programme is expanding internationally, helping Emergency Departments (EDs) in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to reduce their environmental impacts, save costs and carbon, and achieve awards for sustainability.
Announced today (22 April 2026) on Earth Day, this milestone builds on the programme’s growing success in mobilising emergency department clinicians to be part of the net zero health system transformation.
RCEM’s GreenED Framework sets out evidence-based actions that not only improve the environmental sustainability of an ED, but can contribute to national net zero ambitions, realise financial savings and support high-quality patient care.
Since its launch across the UK and Ireland in 2023, the programme has supported EDs to implement a range of environmentally sustainable practices within their departments, with 25 sites achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold GreenED accreditation.
To date, accredited sites have collectively achieved an estimated 309,698 kilograms of CO2e in annual projected carbon savings, along with an estimated £658,580 in annual cost savings.
The launch of GreenED International comes after nine EDs across New South Wales, Australia, successfully piloted the programme over 12 months and have achieved a Bronze award.
They are:
- Armidale Hospital – Hunter New England Local Health District
- Coffs Harbour Health Campus – Mid North Coast Local Health District
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital – Northern Sydney Local Health District
- Nepean Hospital – Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
- Prince of Wales Hospital – South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
- Royal North Shore Hospital – Northern Sydney Local Health District
- Ryde Hospital – Northern Sydney Local Health District
- Wyong Hospital – Central Coast Local Health District
- Shellharbour Hospital – Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District
Participation of sites in New South Wales comes after a collaboration with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) led by its Sustainable Emergency Medicine and Climate Advocacy Network (sEMCAN).
And now more EDs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are being encouraged to sign up.
Dr Sandy Robertson, Chair of RCEM’s Environmental Specialist Interest Group (ESIG) which oversees the GreenED programme said: “The launch of GreenED International in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand marks a huge milestone in our efforts to deliver more sustainable emergency healthcare.
“Through the programme, Emergency Departments will become part of an environmental movement by implementing evidence-based actions to improve the sustainability of their department, all while improving or maintaining patient care.
“Nine EDs in Australia have already become part of this international community after achieving Bronze in our pilot programme. This is no small feat – it’s a huge achievement and one that is to be celebrated. Together, they conservatively made an estimated 18,791 kilograms of CO2e in carbon savings and AUD 536,186 in cost savings, projected annually.
“But we want to go further and encourage all EDs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to get involved.
“Climate change is a threat to the health of our planet, but also to the health of our patients. Emergency Departments around the world are having to deal with the health consequences of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding and severe storms.
“We are proud to support Emergency Department clinicians who are leading the way toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible healthcare system.”
Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM’s President commented: “The College’s GreenED programme has been a huge success here in the United Kingdom, and we are really excited to now offer our Framework down under. It’s great that we have found a way to collaborate across the globe, on a global issue.
“I’m particularly chuffed to see this program taking root in Australasia having worked in Australia and having trained in Emergency Medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand before moving back to the UK.
“GreenED International will support Emergency Departments in their journey to becoming environmentally sustainable by having access to our online portal, as well as an online community platform which allows sites from around the world to connect with each other, share resources, problem solve collectively and celebrate ‘wins’.
“It allows teams to disseminate or co-create best practice examples and innovations in sustainable emergency medicine. It also includes an all-site forum and private forums for site cohorts from each country or region.
“This topic is one which has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of emergency medicine clinicians in the UK. It’s something positive we can do in our departments despite the other challenges we face.
“It’s a team effort to tackle climate change, and our programme reflects this. Start the journey now by expressing your interest to take part.”
“Our evidence-based actions are achievable, cost effective and sees teams succeed in reducing the impact of their everyday clinical practice.”
Dr Peter Allely, President of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, said: “ACEM welcomes the launch of GreenED International in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, marking an expansion of RCEM’s innovative program and a productive collaboration between our two medical colleges.
“Cross-collaboration supports the development of well-rounded emergency physicians while also building a more connected medical community.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, contributes to improved patient outcomes and provides a framework for continuous advancement in healthcare sustainability.”
Emergency Departments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand can register their interest in taking part in the 12-month programme here.
Meanwhile, EDs around the world can also submit an expression of interest form here to join a wait list for the programme.