LKCMedicine Sustainability Day: Sparking a Greener Future

On 7 May 2025, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the Sustainability Day event. Held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Clinical Sciences Building on campus, the event brought together 84 staff and faculty members in a spirited celebration of environmental responsibility, innovation, and collaboration. 

Towards Shared Sustainability

In opening the event, Dr Serene Ng, Chief Operating Officer of LKCMedicine, highlighted the School’s achievement of the Eco-Office 4-Leaves Award and the community’s collective green efforts since the inaugural Sustainability Day event in 2023. She encouraged everyone to stay engaged and continue embracing sustainability as a shared, ongoing commitment beyond the event. 

In her keynote address, Ms Isabella Loh, Chairman of the Singapore Environment Council, underscored the urgent link between climate change and human health, warning that climate-related health costs could reach US$2–4 billion annually by 2030 without immediate action. She called on healthcare institutions to lead sustainable transformation through three key pillars: reducing waste through audits and behavioural change, managing sustainability with green procurement and certifications, and empowering change by integrating environmental responsibility into medical education and practice. 

 

Recognition of Progress 

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Eco-Office 4-Leaves Award to LKCMedicine, a prestigious recognition of the School’s ongoing commitment to environmental excellence. The award recognises LKCMedicine’s staff-driven initiatives and improvements, from reducing paper usage to enhancing energy efficiency across facilities. 

This theme of grassroots efforts was reinforced by the premiere of the LKCMedicine Sustainability Journey video, which showcased stories of passion and purpose from within the School—underscoring how individuals and teams have embraced eco-conscious thinking in their day-to-day work. 

Sustainability in Action

Attendees were invited to engage in various hands-on initiatives showcased at the event that translated green principles into tangible action. 

The Cloop Donation Drive and “Bring Your Own” (BYO) initiative actively engaged participants in sustainable practices by promoting textile reuse and reducing single-use plastics, reinforcing the importance of everyday actions in supporting waste reduction. 

In the Terrarium Workshop, 23 participants tried their hands on a creative upcycling activity, turning used 500ml PET bottles into mini-green ecosystems.  

Another exciting initiative unveiled during the day was the Green Floor Challenge, aimed at empowering departments and units to cultivate sustainable habits and compete in adopting greener office practices. 

The Road Ahead 

Sustainability Day 2025 marked yet another pivotal moment in LKCMedicine’s journey towards a deeper, school-wide commitment to championing sustainable healthcare education and practice. With strong leadership, active community engagement, and a clear vision for the future, the School will continue to drive impactful changes through operational improvements, and campus-wide initiatives. At LKCMedicine, every action counts, and every individual plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future. 

 

View the Sustainability Journey video here: