Sustainability

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is well-placed to be a strong and resilient aged care provider.

Sustainability encompasses how we conduct our business, now and in the future. This includes a commitment to the community, minimising our impact on the environment and enabling present and future generations to “live life to the full”.

Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy is aligned with our Strategic Plan 2024-2027, and the Strategic Principles defined in the Plan. Key priority areas were selected through extensive consultation with key stakeholders.

These priority areas reflect the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the goals set in Pope Francis’ 2015 letter, Care for Our Common Home, also known as Laudato si’. 

Living Care Action Plan

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT is committed to a transformative journey towards sustainability, aligning with the Laudato Si' vision. Our "Living Care" action plan, inspired by Laudato Si, is informed by global environmental directives and the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Download our Living Care Action Plan here.

2025 Key Targets

Energy
• Over 25% of our electricity consumption sourced from renewable energy
• Energy consumption per bed (GJ/bed) reduced by 20% compared to 2021
• 100% of all operational staff have been trained in energy-efficient practices
Waste
• Waste-to-landfill per bed (by weight) reduced by 15% compared to 2021
• Over 20% of all organics recovered (by volume) is reused onsite at our facilities
Water
• Mains water consumption per bed reduced by 15% compared to 2021
• Source over 15% of our water supply from rainwater harvesting
Transport
• Total fuel consumption of fleet reduced by 15% compared to 2021
• 100% of all flights and accommodation incurred by staff are carbon neutral (through the purchase of carbon offsets)
Procurement of goods
• Sustainability performance standards for major procurement categories
• The Finance Department will become entirely paperless
New developments
• All new Residential Aged Care Facilities and Retirement Living Units designs to involve Sustainability Design consultants
• At least one new building developed or refurbished with a Green Star Rating (4 stars or higher) and/or NABERS rating (5 stars or higher)
• Sustainability design guidelines incorporated into the development pipeline
Greenhouse emissions and biodiversity
• Measurable progress towards greenhouse gas emissions reduction against a publicly committed target
• Southern Cross Care will have endorsed and adopted a portfolio-wide strategy for improving biodiversity and nature-positive practices at all sites



Modern Slavery


Modern slavery describes situations where offenders use coercion, threats, or deception to exploit victims and undermine their freedom.

Our commitment to caring for people is underpinned by our responsibility to respect human rights. You can read our Modern Slavery Statement and Fact Sheet.

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is committed to reducing the presence of modern slavery throughout our operations and supply chain through ethical policies, actions and practices that reduce slavery and exploitation.

Since joining the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN), we have developed an Action Plan to comply with Australia’s Modern Slavery Act and progress in the area of reducing and/or eliminating slavery in Australia and around the world.

Our Procurement team is leading this initiative and are supported across the organisation by Finance and Strategy, Learning & Development, IT, P&C, and Marketing & Communications.

Our action plan supports SDG Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth to establish multiple actions to reduce modern slavery. Our plan also reflects the outcome of consultations with industry leaders and ACAN.

By collectively working to achieve these actions, we are contributing to the global reduction of modern slavery and supporting our key suppliers and stakeholders to do the same.

Get in Touch

We value your feedback. Please e-mail us at sustainability@sccliving.org.au or call us on 1800 632 314 to share your comments with us or to receive additional information.