Louis Wauters outside Lithgow Hospital (Photo supplied)
Story by Louis Wauters
A Belgian medical doctor has journeyed to Lithgow and the Blue Mountains to learn more about Planetary Health and, while spending time at the University of Notre Dame’s Clinical School in Lithgow, has also explored Lithgow Hospital’s use of geothermal ground-source heat pump technology as part of its strategy to provide ‘green power for health’.
Key Points:
Belgian doctor Louis Wauters is keen to tackle the root causes of our 21st Century health challenges, so has travelled to Lithgow and the Blue Mountains to explore how Planetary Health is being implemented in local government.
With health systems in developed nations contributing about 5-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, he was also interested to learn more about Lithgow Hospital’s use of geothermal ground source heat pump technology.
Geothermal heat pump technology can be retrofitted into homes and will pay for itself in 8-18 years.
Last year I graduated from medical school at the University of Ghent in Belgium, and during my clinical rotations I had the feeling of not getting to the root cause of the problems we were confronting. There is a Dutch saying that describes how I felt: that we were just mopping up water while the tap was on and the water kept running. Wouldn’t it be great to, where possible, prevent people from becoming sick instead of just treating sick people. Wouldn’t it be great to turn off the tap and not need to keep mopping!
This feeling led me to the area of preventive healthcare. With the biggest health threats of our time being climate change and ecosystem changes, I then ended up looking into Planetary Health.
Planetary Health is a discipline that sees the health of people intrinsically connected to the health of the planet: the ecosystems, the climate, and all of nature surrounding us. If we foster a healthy planet, we also foster our own health.
I started to delve deeper and had the opportunity to undertake an internship with the Planetary Health Alliance, the leading global body on Planetary Health. I learned so much from this experience but felt that it only catered to academia. This didn’t leave me satisfied, as I wanted to know how Planetary Health could make a difference in people’s lives.
I searched for where Planetary Health was being used as a framework to guide policy for communities and found that Blue Mountains City Council was the only place in the world that appeared to be doing this with its Planetary Health Initiative in Katoomba. I contacted the Initiative and arranged to come to Australia to learn from the work being done here.
I received a warm welcome on my arrival from Lis Bastian (left) and Saskia Everingham (right) from the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative (Photo: Lis Bastian)
Two weeks ago I arrived in Australia and made my way to the Blue Mountains. The University of Notre Dame kindly provided me with accommodation near the hospital in Lithgow. I got to know people at the University and medical students who were having their rural rotations in the Lithgow area.
Staying near the hospital I discovered that it uses geothermal ground source heat pump technology to cool the hospital during summer and heat it during the winter. I was intrigued by this cost-effective sustainable energy solution and investigated further.
Geothermal ground source heat pump technology for heating and cooling Lithgow Hospital (Image supplied)
Instead of using an external cooling tower, the geothermal system runs water through an underground loop and uses the stable temperature of the earth to gain or lose heat before running through 75 heat pumps to provide air conditioning. The stable ground temperature at around 50-100 meters below the earth’s surface will remain almost constant at 15-17°C during the whole year.
The earth acts as a heat source or a heat sink for the hospital by running 96 pipes filled with refrigerants, a type of fluid that acts as a conductor to transport the energy, through a closed pipe system. The system is drilled into the earth to a depth of 110 meters under the hospital’s car park. This was done over 25 years ago, to allow for easier future access and to limit interference with the construction of the hospital in 1998.
In 2023 the original system was replaced with more efficient units including a modern control system and new refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential values.
During the summer months, when cooling is needed, a heat pump takes the heat from the air and stores it in the refrigerant. The refrigerant then passes through the underground pipes and is cooled due to the surrounding lower temperature. During the winter months, when heating is needed, this same heat pump will take the heat from the ground, through the refrigerant, and dissipate it through the air in the hospital. This system gives sustainable heating during the winter, and sustainable cooling during the summer.
The closed loops provide enough capacity for 67 air conditioning units and 11 water-to-water units. The water-to-water units produce chilled and heated water to the operating theatre air handling units, heated water for kitchen space heating and the hydrotherapy pool, and process cooling for the central sterilising unit. The heat pump still uses electricity but for every kWh of energy used it provides up to 2-4 kWh of energy for cooling and/or heating.
How geothermal heat pumps work.
This system can be an alternative to, or supplement solar panels., as it does in Lithgow. The added benefit is that it is more resilient in the face of external weather conditions. Unlike solar, it works as well during rainy or smoke-filled months or during winter when there is less sun.
Lithgow Hospital’s infrastructure includes a 367-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, and 1,563 LED lighting upgrades. On a bright summer’s day between 9 am and 3 pm the hospital’s entire electricity usage can be covered by green power. Some energy can even be sold back to the grid.
According to Scott Hanson (formerly Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District):
“A traditional hospital air-conditioning system relies upon natural gas for large boilers to constantly heat water and electricity for air compressors to cool air. The biggest advantage with the Lithgow Hospital geothermal system is that no natural gas is required. All the heating and cooling of air is performed at the reverse cycle air compressors using electricity. In addition, the water used is pumped through the geothermal loop underground to use the consistent temperature of the earth to gain or lose heat naturally, thereby reducing the load at the compressor. Finally, the 367 kilo-Watt roof mounted solar panel system provides enough electricity to power the system entirely for most of the day for free. The geothermal system reduces the reliance upon fossil fuels by eliminating gas for the system altogether and reducing reliance upon electricity.”
Producing more energy than the hospital consumes on a sunny day (Image: supplied)
367 kilowatts of Solar panels installed across Lithgow Hospital (Photo supplied)
The geothermal heating comes with a high capital cost for residential buildings, estimated between $15,000 and $40,000, but has low running costs as you get free energy from the ground up and it will pay for itself in about 8-18 years. It is not only possible in new homes but can also be retrofitted in existing homes as the pipes don’t need to be directly under your house.
In Europe, geothermal heat pump technology is used more commonly. In Belgium, up to 50% of new homes being built use this system, facilitated by government subsidies. There is even a debate going on about making this technology mandatory for new homes.
It was great to see these economically beneficial energy systems which help address the current ecological challenges. The geothermal heating system provides cleaner energy and saves money for the hospital at the same time. Added benefits of using geothermal for air conditioning in the hospital include eliminating noise and the risk of Legionnaires disease.
I will be looking further for other initiatives that pique my interest while staying here in Lithgow and learning more about the beautiful Blue Mountains region.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable final Skill Share Saturday for the year yesterday with Qigong, Fashion Upcycling, Seed Saving and Bushcare! We shared seeds from local gardens and harvested carrots, as well as Mizuna, Broad Bean, Daikon and Land Cress seeds from the Planetary Health garden. We then packaged up (and shared) our first Upper Mountains Seed Savers packs for our fledgling Seed Bank. In Bushcare it`s very exciting to see whole new areas of the Planetary Health Precinct open up as we remove invasive weeds. It`s been a year of great progress as we`ve restored habitat for wildlife and given local native plants the opportunity to flourish and re-establish on the site.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Louis Wauters has recently graduated from medical school in Ghent, Belgium, where he lives. At the beginning of his clinical career he has come here to learn about Planetary Health and all its benefits. He is a strong believer in preventive medicine, and wants to strengthen social and environmental health by helping to rebuild the communities and an ecological lifestyle in society and healthcare.
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
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