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Beaconsfield Dental, a modern purpose-built dental clinic in the suburb of Berwick, has been at the forefront of sustainability, technology, and accessibility since it was built in 2013.
The clinic's ultimate goal is to be self-sufficient in energy, water, and waste disposal, while inspiring others to follow its lead.
Sustainability is a vital aspect of the clinic's operations as it helps reduce emissions, mitigates the impact on the environment, and saves costs. The clinic's environmental policy can be viewed on its website, where it lists various initiatives to limit environmental impact, including:
- 144 Solar panels generating over 260 megawatt hours in 9 1/2 years
- 17,000 litre water tanks for garden watering and toilet flush. These water tanks have saved the clinic over 100,000 litres of water per year.
- Indigenous and native garden, including edibles
- 14 compost bins outside
- Extensive recycling
By far, the most significant impact has been made by the solar panel array. The clinic's sustainability measures are not limited to the infrastructure but extend to the staff's behavior. Staff are encouraged to use the compost receptacle in the kitchen and the recycle bins in each treatment room. They also collect autoclave pouch paper for composting, while occasionally setting out to pick up rubbish from the surrounding area and the nearby Akoonah Park.
Despite the clinic's impressive sustainability measures, the journey to becoming energy self-sufficient is not without challenges.
With no room for further solar panels, any excess power generated is wasted as the grid is not designed for this. To inspire others to follow its initiatives, the clinic shares its journey on social media.
Beaconsfield Dental's sustainability measures communicate to its team and consultants that it cares for both the community and the environment. It is a motivating force and helps with job satisfaction.
The clinic advises the dental community to start their sustainability journey in small steps and consolidate on those. Just start and do something.
In conclusion, Beaconsfield Dental's sustainability journey is one of a kind, setting an example of sustainable practices that can inspire others to follow suit.
Its initiatives go beyond infrastructure to include the staff's behaviour, making the sustainability journey a collective effort.
The clinic's ultimate goal of becoming self-sufficient in energy, water, and waste disposal is ambitious but achievable, and its journey so far has been a remarkable success story.
Article Published in Dental Solutions November 2023