A Greener Future: Lakeridge Health’s Commitment to Sustainability

Lakeridge Health, one of Ontario’s largest and most comprehensive health-care systems, is taking a bold stand on environmental stewardship and sustainability. As global conversations on climate change intensify, Lakeridge Health is keenly aware of its role in reducing carbon emissions while modernizing its infrastructure to meet future needs. 

In 2023-2024, Lakeridge Health embarked on the Lakeridge Health Electrification and Decarbonization (LHEAD) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions within the health-care sector. This groundbreaking project, set for completion in March 2025, promises to reduce carbon emissions at Oshawa Hospital by an amount equivalent to taking 1,150 cars off the road annually. 

The LHEAD project focuses on enhancing energy efficiency at Oshawa Hospital and cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions through several innovative measures: 

Transition to Electricity: To meet heating needs, Lakeridge Health is shifting from fossil fuels, the primary contributors to global climate change, to electricity, and incorporating state-of-the-art heat pumps. 

Eliminating Wasted Energy: By optimizing energy use and implementing cutting-edge technologies, the project aims to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. 

This initiative not only champions environmental sustainability but also economic viability. Lakeridge Health anticipates that the LHEAD project will be self-sustaining within four years, thanks to $1.6 million in incentives and additional savings from reduced operational expenses. 

Looking ahead, Lakeridge Health plans to expand this innovative program to other facilities, further cementing its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for health care in Ontario and beyond.