Skip to main content Skip to main navigation

Environment

Overview of how Medibank supported environmental sustainability during the year.

Introduction

Strategy

Reusable cup We introduced reusable coffee cups during the year to help cut down our use of disposable cups, with all proceeds directed to Landcare

Carbon neutrality

We undertook Medibank’s first greenhouse gas inventory during the year to get a baseline measure of our greenhouse impact. We are using this to identify areas for improvement and to track our progress in reducing our carbon footprint. Medibank will publish the inventory each year to show the movement in our greenhouse impact.

Baseline greenhouse gas inventory 2018

EMISSION GREENHOUSE IMPACT (t CO2-e/year)*
SCOPE 1 3.5
Natural gas 3.5
SCOPE 2 3,397.0
Electricity 3,397.0
SCOPE 3 14,425.3
Electricity 357.1
Electricity (base building)^ 2,940.2
Natural gas 0.3
Telecommunications 1,560.5
Water 3.3
IT equipment 2,797.2
Paper 305.1
Employee commute^^ 2,062.0
Business flights 2,270.9
Transport fuels (leased vehicles) 27.4
Postage 1,351.8
Hotel accommodation 232.0
Taxis 66.8
Waste-landfill^ 450.6
Total 17,825.8

* Calculation methodologies and emission factors derived from the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors in accordance with ‘Method 1’ from the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) (Measurement) Determination 2008 and NGER (Measurement) Technical Guidelines. Where factors unavailable, we used best practice sources as per National Carbon Offset Standard guidelines.

^ Estimations based on NABERS ratings and size of tenancies (m2 ).

^^ Based on ~10% survey response with results scaled up to represent total workforce.


NABERS star ratings at our major offices
Office location Suburb State 2017 2018
Water Energy Water Energy
720 Bourke Street Docklands VIC N/A 5.0 4.0 5.0
88 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 3.5 4.0 N/A N/A
207 Pacific Highway St Leonards NSW 3.0 3.5 3.0 4.0
300 Queen Street Brisbane QLD 4.0 3.0 N/A 3.5
77 Market Street Wollongong NSW N/A N/A N/A 4.0
Medibank office
Medibank's head office has a 5-star NABERS energy rating

Investments

As a health services company, Medibank recognises the science of climate change and its impacts on human health. As a result, environmental considerations including the UNPRI signatory status of our asset managers are incorporated in our decision making for our investment portfolio. Climate change risks are considered by our investment managers within our internally managed investments and factored into Medibank's investment strategy. We will continue to invest in green bonds which fund projects with positive environmental benefits.

Medibank held $24.5 million in green bonds within our investment portfolio at 30 June 2018


We engaged LOOP Global to upcycle 880kgs of old branded retail uniforms during the year. Many of the uniforms were upcycled into teddy bears by Westcare, which provides quality employment and training for West Australians with disabilities. Medibank purchased these bears to reward children for healthy choices as part of a trial at selected retail stores.

Teddy Bears
Some of the teddy bears made by Westcare

Medibank chose to support environmental groups Landcare and Climate Council of Australia during the year through awareness activities and fundraising. We also internally promoted events including Earth Day and Plastic Free July.