Caring for people, communities and the planet

Sustainability, to us, is care in action – for people, for communities and for the world we all share.

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At BaptistCare, sustainability is part of how we care.

It means stewarding resources responsibly, strengthening the resilience of our services, supporting communities to thrive and reducing our impact on the environment. 

Our national sustainability strategy brings this work together under one clear approach. It focuses on practical action where BaptistCare can make a meaningful difference: environmental sustainability, community impact and social value, and governance and accountability. 

This work is grounded in our purpose, inspired by Jesus to champion care for all, and our vision for communities where everyone can live to their full potential. It is also guided by our ‘I ACT’ values: inclusivity, accountability, compassion and teamwork.

Why sustainability matters

Sustainability matters because care does not happen in isolation. The people we support are part of families, homes, services and communities. They are also affected by rising costs, extreme weather, social pressures and the quality of the places around them. 

For BaptistCare, sustainability is about taking practical steps that support care today and help strengthen services for the future. It includes reducing environmental impact, making better use of resources, understanding the value created through our services, and being clear about how progress is owned, managed and communicated. 

As a national organisation, BaptistCare has an opportunity to align this work across regions and services, build on our strong foundations and what is already underway, and focus on the areas where we can make the greatest difference for people, communities and the planet.

Our sustainability strategy

Our national sustainability strategy sets a clear direction for the next stage of BaptistCare’s sustainability work. It builds on existing strengths and brings practical initiatives, evidence and governance together under three focus areas.

Environmental sustainability

Reducing environmental impact and strengthening resilience over time.

Renewable energy, greater efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable buildings and assets, climate resilience and responsible procurement.

Community impact and social value

Understanding and strengthening the value BaptistCare creates for people and communities.

Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, community connection and participation, informed planning, strong partnerships and advocacy.

Governance and accountability

Embedding clear ownership, coordination and responsible progress updates.

Strong leadership, clear reporting, responsible communication and coordination across teams and regions.

Environmental sustainability

Reducing environmental impact and strengthening resilience over time.

Renewable energy, greater efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable buildings and assets, climate resilience and responsible procurement.

Community impact and social value

Understanding and strengthening the value BaptistCare creates for people and communities.

Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, community connection and participation, informed planning, strong partnerships and advocacy.

Governance and accountability

Embedding clear ownership, coordination and responsible progress updates.

Strong leadership, clear reporting, responsible communication and coordination across teams and regions.

Sustainability in action: stories from across BaptistCare

Sustainability is already part of how we operate at BaptistCare and is visible in practical work across the national organisation. These stories show what is happening, why it matters, and what we are learning along the way.

Learning how extreme heat affects home care

BaptistCare partnered with Charles Sturt University on a three-year research project examining how extreme heat affects home care workers and service delivery in rural NSW.

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Affordable food and less waste through the Community Food Hub

BaptistCare's Community Food Hub in South Australia reflects our commitment to practical care, dignity and community connection while addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste through strong community partnerships.

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Linking more of our electricity use to renewable energy

BaptistCare is linking more of its electricity use to renewable energy through a combination of power purchase agreements, renewable electricity retail arrangements and Large-scale Generation Certificates, or LGCs.

Learn more

How we govern and measure progress

Good sustainability work needs clear ownership, practical coordination and honest communication. This helps BaptistCare make better decisions, track progress and communicate responsibly. 

BaptistCare is strengthening how sustainability priorities are planned, governed and measured across the national organisation. This includes clearer links between sustainability and existing planning, risk, procurement, property, service delivery and reporting processes. 

BaptistCare is also working to bring existing state and region-based emissions data and Net Zero Pathways into a more consistent national view. This will help inform future environmental priorities, targets, investment planning and progress reporting. 

As we put the sustainability strategy into practice, we will continue to improve how progress is tracked and shared. We will be clear about what has been achieved, what is underway, what is planned and what we are still learning.