Sustainability Update

June 25, 2025

Building Momentum for Our Living Care Journey 

May has been a remarkable month for sustainability at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), with achievements that demonstrate our genuine commitment to caring for both people and planet. 

Our response to Laudato Si' Week 2025 showcased SCC's leadership in faith-based sustainability action. The launch of our first Sustainability Newsletter marks a new chapter in keeping our community informed and engaged, while our Reflection Video – currently under review by the global Laudato Si' Platform – positions us among leading Catholic organisations worldwide. 

The publication of our 2024-25 Living Care Report Card provides measurable evidence of progress across all seven sustainability pillars. This transparent reporting, alongside our Fifth Modern Slavery Statement, reinforces our unwavering commitment to ethical practices and human dignity throughout our operations and supply chains. 

Our infrastructure investments are delivering tangible results. LED lighting upgrades across 20 residential and retirement sites are reducing energy consumption and costs, with the full network rollout continuing into FY26. We've also confirmed solar infrastructure investment across four strategic sites, accelerating our transition to clean energy. 

We’ve submitted our Milestone 1 Report as part of the NSW Net Zero Planning Grant, following a strategic workshop with consultancy 2XE to identify priority actions and assess our current position. 

Milestone 2 is now underway. It includes a full emissions audit of the past year and a focus on building our internal capability, equipping our teams with the tools, data, and strategies to reduce emissions and embed sustainability into everyday operations. 

Beyond our own operations, SCC's influence is growing regionally. Our invitation to join the Illawarra Circular Precincts Steering Committee reflects recognition of our sustainability leadership and creates opportunities to shape circular economy innovations across the region. 

Looking ahead, we’re teaming up with the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage program and our risk team to look at what really matters most, where our biggest environmental and social risks are and where we can have the greatest impact. 

This work will help us make smarter decisions, focus on what counts, and prepare for future reporting requirements. It also helps us speak up nationally about what sustainability in aged care should look like. 

Looking ahead, we're partnering with 2XE on our Net Zero roadmap, conducting a comprehensive materiality assessment with our risk team, and expanding our participation in industry collaborations. These initiatives will strengthen SCC's voice in sustainability and aged care reform while building the foundation for our long-term sustainability reporting. 

Every action we’ve taken this month is a step toward the future we’re building together - where care extends beyond people to the planet we share. 

For more updates and resources, read our latest Sustainability Newsletter.