ESG in Focus: Our Laudato Si’ Reflection

May 26, 2025

ESG in Focus: Our Laudato Si’ Reflection

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), the Laudato Si’ Goals serve not just as an environmental compass, but as a deeply spiritual and social call to action. As part of our participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, we’ve undertaken a yearly reflection — not just to report on progress, but to realign with purpose.

Each of the seven Laudato Si’ Goals is reflected in how we design care, steward resources, and lead with integrity across all five pillars of our Living Care Action Plan.

Response to the Cry of the Earth
We’ve taken bold, practical steps to reduce our emissions and environmental impact, including:

• Strategic rollout of LED lighting across 14 sites (90%+ energy savings)
• Securing a Net Zero Planning Grant and partnering with 2XE on emissions modelling
• Piloting biodiversity-enhancing landscapes at Bateau Bay
• Installing EV infrastructure and transitioning our fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles

Response to the Cry of the Poor
Sustainability begins with dignity. Our social justice efforts include:

• Staff food security and hardship initiatives like our Bread and Spread and Pay It Forward Uniforms programs
• Actively addressing the financial and nutritional wellbeing of our workforce and residents, especially those in vulnerable regional communities

Ecological Economics
We’re embedding ethics and accountability across our supply chain through:

• A renewed Modern Slavery Statement and attestation from top suppliers
• Vendor reviews and stronger ESG criteria in procurement
• Deepened engagement with the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN)

Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
Across our sites, we’re shifting everyday behaviours by:

• Rolling out an organics diversion program (10+ tonnes/month diverted from landfill)
• Leading sector readiness ahead of NSW’s 2026 FOGO mandate
• Launching a staff e-learning module focused on sustainable practices

Ecological Education
We’re building sustainability literacy through:

• Quarterly newsletters and story-driven updates
• Training sessions and local engagement supported by the Living Care Working Group
• Sharing lived experiences of transformation at both the site and leadership levels

Ecological Spirituality
Sustainability isn’t only operational—it’s spiritual.

• Our Laudato Si’ Week reflection video created space for gratitude and purpose
• We’re embedding ecological spirituality into our education, language, and leadership

Community Resilience and Empowerment
This work is strongest when led locally.

• At Tweed Heads, residents and staff turned recycling into a community-led BBQ, showing how circular thinking creates joy, connection, and impact
• Through the upcoming Green Heart Awards, we’ll continue to celebrate staff and resident initiatives that embody care for people and planet