Australian Unity has commenced decarbonisation initiatives, including solar installations and energy efficiency programs, in response to identified climate risks and regulatory pressures. The company’s latest sustainability report outlines its first organisation-wide climate risk assessment, revealing medium to high risks over the coming decades. Residential Aged Care (RAC) operations are particularly vulnerable due to their emissions-intensive nature and scale. To mitigate these risks, Australian Unity has installed rooftop solar across four aged care/retirement sites, generating approximately 800 MWh of renewable energy annually and reducing Group emissions by 700–800 tCO2e (~6% of electricity-related emissions). The company also plans to expand energy efficiency initiatives and install further solar capacity, alongside waste management improvements and resilience solutions such as a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Material actions and disclosures
Australian Unity has been measuring and disclosing its GHG emissions since FY2024. The company has committed to managing and actively reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives, including the installation of solar across four aged care/retirement sites, expanded energy efficiency programs, and waste management improvements. These actions are expected to reduce Group emissions by 300–400 tCO₂e per annum.
Forward commitments
Australian Unity aims to continue looking for opportunities to install further solar capacity and work on other energy efficiency initiatives. The company also plans to implement a data-driven waste management model, piloted at Western Hospital in South Australia, and scale it across its aged care, retirement, and property fund assets. Additionally, the company will develop a resourcing plan, including a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan, led by the ESG Forum.