New RACGP Standards encourage practices to take practical climate action
08 Sep 2026
The new environmental sustainability criterion asks practices to consider ways to reduce their environmental impact where it is practical and appropriate. Practices can choose actions that suit their needs, resources and circumstances.
The RACGP says the new content reflects growing recognition of the links between climate change, environmental factors and health. It also recognises the healthcare sector’s own environmental impact.
The Standards highlight four key areas:
- preparing general practices for climate-related risks
- reducing environmental impacts in day-to-day practice
- supporting sustainable and climate-informed care
- building a culture of sustainability and shared responsibility.
Dr Nicole Sleeman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Climate and Environmental Medicine, said the changes were part of a wider goal to build a more climate-resilient health system.
She said practices should be supported to take practical steps to address climate change while continuing to focus on patient safety and quality healthcare.
Climate resilience is particularly important during events such as extreme heat, bushfires, floods and storms. Practices need to be prepared to maintain safe and ongoing care for patients when these events cause disruption.
The sixth edition also includes information about carbon credits. The RACGP has clarified that buying carbon credits is not an accreditation requirement. It is simply one option practices may consider as part of wider sustainability efforts.
Practices are not expected to take on major costs or activities that are unreasonable for their circumstances.
Simple actions may include using less paper, improving energy efficiency, recycling more, reviewing purchasing decisions and reducing unnecessary supplies.
The Standards also point out that practices do not need to be environmental specialists to make progress. Many practices are already taking steps such as updating emergency plans, reducing energy use, improving waste management and helping patients prepare for extreme weather.
Practice owner Dr Bernard Shiu said improving environmental sustainability is a gradual process, with each practice starting from a different position.
He said the new Standards should not be seen as requiring practices to become carbon neutral or make expensive changes immediately.
Dr Shiu also noted that some sustainability measures can reduce costs. Using less energy, improving waste separation, avoiding unnecessary consumables and reducing expired stock can help lower expenses while reducing environmental impact.
The Federal Government’s National Climate Risk Assessment has also highlighted the growing risks climate change presents to Australia’s health and social support systems. The current risk is rated as moderate–high and is expected to reach severe levels by 2050.
Dr Sleeman said preparing practices for climate-related events is therefore also about managing risks to patient safety and maintaining healthcare services.
At the same time, Dr Shiu acknowledged the financial and workforce pressures already facing many general practices. He said concerns about additional accreditation requirements need to be considered, with practical guidance, flexibility and support being important to successful implementation.
The RACGP has also provided a webinar and further resources to help practices understand and work towards the new sustainability requirements.
New RACGP Standards encourage practices to take practical climate action
Source: RACGP newsGP