As climate change continues to pose serious threats to both the environment and public health, healthcare institutions have a vital role to play. Here at SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), the journey towards sustainability goes beyond green features; it is about embedding eco-friendly values into different aspects of our clinics’ operations, staff culture, and patient engagement. Through a series of focused and practical efforts, SHP is building a workplace that is not only environmentally responsible but also future-ready.

Green Practices and Features

Since its establishment in 2023, SHP's Green Committee PACE has been the driving force behind initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprint and promoting responsible use of resources. Through comprehensive digitalisation efforts, we have transformed many paper-based processes into electronic formats, from e-appointments to digital invoices and e-prescriptions. These digital initiatives have significantly reduced paper consumption while improving operational efficiency. Staff are encouraged to reduce printing and paper usage at work through ongoing reminders and education efforts.

To minimise electricity consumption, we have adopted smart lighting systems and energy-efficient appliances across our ten polyclinics. Recycling has also become a big part of our daily practices, with bins designated for recycling placed in our polyclinics and HQ office.  Additional efforts are made to recycle items such as used batteries and carton boxes in the polyclinics too.

At the infrastructure level, much has been done to embed sustainability into the physical design of our facilities. SHP-Eunos, SHP-Sengkang and SHP-Tampines have been accredited with the Water Efficient Building (WEB) (Basic) certification by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for adopting recommended water efficiency measures. By implementing measures, such as the replacement or installation of water efficient fittings, as well as the adoption of the Water Efficient Building (WEB) recommended flow rates and flush volumes, our buildings can potentially save 5% of monthly water consumption.

Environmentally friendly practices are also being integrated into both new developments and upgrading works. We actively pursue the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Green Mark Certification or Re-certification by implementing features that reduce energy and water usage, while creating healthier environments for our patients and staff. This demonstrates SHP’s continuous efforts to create a greener built environment.

At the Heart of Our Green Movement

Taking our sustainability efforts into the festive season, PACE's "Upcycled Christmas Tree Design" competition showcased our staff's exceptional creativity in transforming recycled materials into delightful decorations. Building on this success and embracing our multi-ethnic culture, our subsequent competition included Hari Raya decorations, continuing our commitment to sustainability and cultural celebration.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr David Ng and Chief Operating Officer, Ms Loke Chui Yee commencing the launch of Project ReVive25 at Outram Polyclinic

This year, in celebration of SHP’s 25th anniversary, Project ReVive25, a sustainability initiative that focuses on recycling plastic medical waste was launched. A commemorative, record-breaking ‘25’ structure made from recycled plastics will be filled with clean medical plastic waste collected across our ten polyclinics. This initiative highlights our commitment to reduce healthcare’s environmental footprint.

A World Environment Day poster to encourage patients to ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ (BYOB)

Clear examples of how patients can go paperless during their polyclinic visits

Beyond our internal operations, we actively engage patients and the wider community in our green journey. Leveraging on publicity materials including educational posters and social media posts, we consistently share tips and messages on how individuals can play their part to highlight the important message that small changes that can make a big impact.

SHP Insulated Bag for medications, which patients can purchase at $3.50 each

To encourage the use of reusables, patients can pick up a bag at the “Share A Bag” Corner in our polyclinics

To reduce single-use plastics, SHP has introduced insulated reusable bags for patients’ medications. Plastic bags are no longer provided for single-item purchases. To reduce single-use bags, “Share A Bag” corner, a community bag-sharing initiative can be prominently spotted at the pharmacy waiting areas in our polyclinics. By making sustainability visible and accessible, SHP empowers individuals to be part of a greener environment.

Together for a Greener Future

Building an eco-friendly culture starts with small everyday actions. By rethinking how we work, engage, and care, we are moving towards a future where care for people and care for the planet go hand in hand.

Together, we can grow a greener, healthier future for all.