Healthdirect launches carbon emissions tool to measure the health sector's impact on the environment
Published: 17 November 2025
Healthdirect’s carbon emissions tool includes a framework, calculator and emissions factors to enable the healthcare sector to accurately measure and report on emissions generated through the delivery of virtual health services.
Measuring our carbon emissions
In FY24, Healthdirect’s triage and virtual care services helped prevent an estimated 1.85 kilotonnes of carbon emissions — equivalent to removing 925 cars from the road for a full year.
“Using this tool, we also found that for every trip to the Emergency Department avoided through a Healthdirect call, there’s an average emissions saving of 10 kilograms. This eases the burden on emergency service resources and, in many cases, totally avoids the need for travel to receive physical healthcare,” Rachel de Sain, Sustainability Director, Healthdirect Australia.
Evidence shows that virtual health services are a critical component of sustainable healthcare systems.
Bettina McMahon, Healthdirect Australia CEO says the carbon emissions tool shows how digital health can drastically reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary travel and supply chain impacts, allowing health services to confidently transition to a low-carbon future.
We now have the evidence to show that virtual health services are a critical component of sustainable healthcare systems, delivering high-quality care with significantly lower environmental costs," said Ms McMahon
You can read our Virtual Health Emissions report here (Opens in new tab).
A standardised way to report emissions
The carbon calculator offers a standardised method for health providers to measure the overall emissions from both virtual and face-to-face consultations. The practical tool empowers organisations to better understand and report their environmental footprint, highlighting the emissions reduction achieved when shifting suitable in-person care to virtual consultations.
Developed with the University of Sydney and grounded in robust research featured in The Journal of Climate and Health, the tool’s intuitive interface enables providers to estimate emissions for both virtual and traditional consultations. It takes into account factors such as local travel distances, types of transport, and the emissions generated by virtual appointments.
This work was recognised earlier this year in the Australian Financial Review, with Healthdirect named a 2025 Sustainability Leader in the Professional Services, Engineering, Advisory and Health category.
Interested in measuring your company’s carbon emissions?
The tool is designed to be scalable and localised for Australia's unique geography and diverse travel behaviours. The tool is available for health services to help achieve their commitments to reduce emissions and support greater climate resilience by 2050.
If you would like to organise a training session of how to use our tool or develop a emission calculator for your own virtual services, please contact sustainability@healthdirect.org.au.
Last reviewed: December 2025