10853 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

10853 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter October – December 2023 to ‘Identify actions to achieve a 25 percent reduction of category-1 emissions by 2025, including a fleet optimisation plan, transitioning boilers to low emission technologies, a nitrous oxide scavenging and destruction pilot and supporting desflurane phase out’ under section 3.7.4 ‘Action on climate change’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October – December 2023 quarter, as part of Health New Zealand's Coal Boiler Replacement project, approval was given for Nelson and Taupō Hospitals to replace their boilers with more environmentally sustainable options, while Buller's coal boiler was decommissioned. I am further advised that 205 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) were added to Health NZ’s fleet during the quarter. At the end of the quarter, BEVs made up 14.4% of the fleet. In addition, Health NZ has undertaken a trial of nitrous oxide scavenging technology, and is now assessing the benefits and costs of adopting the technology. There has also been a significant reduction in the use of Desflurane, to the point where its greenhouse gas contributions are negligible. I also refer the Member to Written Parliamentary Question 10852 (2024).