Activating ESG for Aged Care Providers

There is a growing focus on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda within the aged care sector. There are questions about the long term sustainability of the sector being raised through the 2023 Intergenerational Report , which outlined an increase in spending from 1.1 per cent of GDP in 2022–23 to around 2.5 per cent of GDP in 2062–63, significant climate implications for aged care providers, both for home and residential aged care, as well as providers having a significant environmental footprint.

The collective impact of environmental and sustainability issues, including on workforce, technology and infrastructure, requires action from aged care providers. In particular, providers will need to act to mitigate their effects on climate as well as planning on how they need to adapt to future climate considerations. This requires consideration of both short term interventions as well as long term planning.
Supported by the consultation paper for the National Health and Climate Strategy , this presentation will explore practical case studies specific to aged care, outlining examples of good practice and exploring opportunities for change, which can be implemented across the sector. This includes:

• Climate emergency planning and preparedness
• Reducing waste and supporting a circular economy
• Exploring how ESG has a role in attracting and retaining workforce
• Changing care needs within climate change
• The role of providers in delivering social infrastructure within climate events.