IH using innovative approaches to address climate challenges

July 19, 2024

A team of Royal Inland Hospital anesthetic assistants supported the anesthetic gas recovery program. From L to R: Dexter, Sandra, Pietur, Evan and John.

In 2020, Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops began a three-year project to recover anesthetic gas from its operating rooms.

Anesthetic gases like desflurane are far more potent than carbon dioxide. Prior to the project, the waste anesthetic gases were vented outside the hospital, leaving a significant environmental footprint.

Today, all of Royal Inland’s operating rooms use anesthetic gas recovery technology. In early 2024, the technology was expanded to Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital with plans for expansion to other IH sites.

From implementing digital solutions that replace paper, to reducing the use of single-use plastics, and supporting communities in adapting to climate change, we’re finding new and innovative ways to create a healthy, equitable and resilient health-care system.

In this Story…

Addressing one of our most urgent public health issues

IH's climate actions recognized with national award

Addressing one of our most urgent public health issues

Climate change is arguably one of the most urgent public health issues facing Interior Health. At this writing, much of the Southern Interior is under a heat warning advisory as temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s persist for a third straight week.

As a health-care provider, organization and community member, IH plays a role in advancing climate change action. Our vision and goals are documented in the Climate Change and Sustainability Roadmap 2023-2028, the first of its kind for a Canadian health-care organization. The Roadmap outlines 20 actions and guides IH towards a more sustainable future.

Every year, we also document our progress in our annual reports. We just released the 2023 Climate Change Accountability Report (CCAR). The following are among the many transformative initiatives highlighted in this year’s CCAR:

Greening the Labs opportunity investigation identifies ways to reduce waste and water in our labs, as well as greener chemistry options.
A group of pharmacists and physicians is leading a regional pilot on the use of climate conscious inhalers—prescribed for respiratory conditions like asthma—that emit less carbon dioxide.
In September 2023, First Nations Health Authority and IH co-hosted the second Interior Region Indigenous Food Forum. Close to 100 participants shared and learned about the intersection of climate change, community food systems and food security.

IH's climate actions recognized with national award

Group of six individuals in formal attire holding a trophy at a conference, standing in front of banners that advertise future events and sponsors including "Halifax 2-4 June 2024" and "Sodexo." — Members of the IH's Environmental Sustainability team went to Halifax in June to accept the Energy and Environmental Stewardship award. Fourth from left is Lorne Sisley, executive director, Corporate Services. To his right is Amanda McKenzie, manager, Environmental Sustainability, alongside staff from Trane, the award sponsor.

Earlier this year, Interior Health was recognized by the Canadian College of Health Leaders with the 2024 Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes IH’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility amidst daunting climate challenges, particularly during the extreme weather and wildfire events in the summer of 2023.

IH received a $2,000 prize for the award, and has donated the funds to B.C.’s Youth Climate Corps, a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions.

There’s a profound link between environmental health and human health. Although big changes are needed at policy levels, everyone can make better choices for the environment.

By adapting to the risks from climate change while reducing our environmental impact through facility design and operations, we are supporting the health of our communities and planet, for now and future generations. It is a privilege to be able to support our health system, that, in return, serves our communities.

-- Amanda McKenzie, manager, Environmental Sustainability