As world leaders gather in Antalya, Türkiye, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), attention is focused on how people and organizations build a more climate-friendly, sustainable future. 

Holland Bloorview’s efforts are captured in the second annual  2025-26 Environmental Sustainability Impact Report. 

Among many other highlights, Holland Bloorview kept 22 metric tons of office furniture out of landfill and prevented more than 1,100 kg of food waste since March 2025.

The report also shines a light on defined metrics – from greenhouse gas emissions to natural gas use, including an 8 per cent reduction in electricity use. 

“I’m proud to say that our environmental sustainability journey continues with real, measurable results and deliberate action,” says Michael Craven, director of facilities and co-chair of the hospital’s environmental sustainability task force. “Our efforts include analysing food-based greenhouse gas emissions and engaging our community to take action. Each step brings us closer to a hospital where sustainability is simply a part of how we care.”

Key initiatives highlighted in the report include:

Reducing waste at every level

Holland Bloorview replaced more than 300 individual desk bins with 20 centralized, accessible waste sorting stations. 

Through a partnership with Green Standards, we also donated surplus furniture to local schools and charities.

Climate-friendly food

Holland Bloorview signed the Coolfood Pledge, committing to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of purchased food.  Plant-forward menus and advancing and food waste prevention program has cut kitchen waste by 33 per cent.

Using energy wisely

A hospital-wide LED lighting retrofit helped cut electricity use by eight per cent in 2025 and a 52 kW solar array contributes clean energy to the grid.

Earth Week 2026

Earth Week drew more than 200 booth visits. Highlights included a “Touch-a-Truck” event for 80 students, a campus clean-up that collected 21 kg of litter, and a plant-based Forward Food menu. 

Cross-promotion of sustainability activities with neighbours at Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto French School and York University’s Glendon Campus made community engagement a highlight.

Learning and recognition

Staff, students and volunteers have access to a new e-learning module: Orientation to Planetary Health & Sustainable Care.

Holland Bloorview’s work was also recognized with a Best in TAHSN Climate & Health Awards for Low Carbon & Sustainable Buildings in 2025 (Holland Bloorview recently also earned another award for Organizational Innovation in 2026).

Read a digital copy of the Environmental Sustainability Impact Report here.

Embedding sustainability across the hospital is fully aligned with the Holland Bloorview 2030: Transformative Care, Inclusive World strategic plan.

The global challenge of climate change depends on local action. Holland Bloorview encourages everyone to learn, teach and act to support planetary health.

By Will Lam