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Sustainable Health and Environment Network

Empowering communities, restoring health – for people and planet

The Sustainable Health and Environment Network (SHEN) is a trusted partner and leader in fostering interdisciplinary education, driving innovation in knowledge generation, and facilitating the translation of research into practical solutions.

About the network

About the network

The Sustainable Health and Environment Network (SHEN) is an initiative led by Deakin’s Faculty of Health. We deliver research, education and partnerships relating to the overlapping themes of enabling a sustainable world and improving health and wellbeing.

Our priorities closely align to global and local mandates for change, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The network brings together educators, researchers, community stakeholders and industry leaders to address sustainable health challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable living.

The SHEN is guided by the SHEN Committee and chaired by Deakin Distinguished Professor Rachel Huxley. The SHEN Coordinator is Kerryn Lester-Smith.

Our objectives

  • Elevate and educate: Lead evidence-based collaborative research translation and drive sustainable impact through practical knowledge translation tools and events.
  • Engage and enact: Strengthen internal and external partnerships to advocate for innovative, sustainable, restorative healthcare solutions and drive impactful change.
  • Empower: Cultivate emerging climate leaders through awareness-building, knowledge sharing, and networks that promote sustainability and restorative health for both people and the planet.

Help us address sustainable health challenges

The network brings together educators, researchers, community stakeholders and industry leaders to address sustainable health challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable living. Learn how you can get involved with the SHEN.

Email our team

Our focus areas

The SHEN acts on Deakin’s Toward 2030 Strategic Plan commitments to carbon neutrality and sustainability. Sustainability is embedded within Deakin’s culture as one of our core values. Our focus on place-based, integrative approaches empowers communities to cultivate both human and planetary health, advancing sustainability and restoration for present and future generations.

We have expertise in three focus areas, including:

  • addressing the health impacts of environmental change and unsustainable living, by focusing on priority populations/settings and prevention
  • creating and promoting more environmentally sustainable and less wasteful healthcare systems
  • promoting healthy and sustainable food systems.

Health impacts of environmental change

Our health is fundamentally dependent on the health of the planet: we depend on functioning ecological systems, yet many of these systems are now severely disrupted as a result of human activities.

Climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable living are causing a range of physical and mental health impacts that require evidence-based, systems thinking and co-designed interventions. This research stream explores the physical and mental health impacts at individual, organisational, community and population scales. Our initiatives aim to protect and promote human health, especially among priority populations, as well as health of the natural environment.

Sustainable healthcare systems

Australia’s health system is responsible for approximately 5-7% of national greenhouse gas emissions. Research is required to support the transition to low carbon health systems across Scopes 1,2 and 3 as per the National Health and Climate Strategy. Our sustainable healthcare research focusses on the potential co-benefits of delivering high value healthcare, while ensuring efficient allocation and responsible procurement of resources in the health sector.

Examples of this research and advocacy include:

Healthy and sustainable food systems

Ecological disruption poses a threat to future food supplies and food and nutrition security. While dietary behaviours pose a threat to the sustainability of food systems, globally, nationally and locally spurring the need for transformation. Our researchers and educators are generating evidence and capabilities to promote healthy, equitable and sustainable diets and food systems. Our work forms part of  international and national efforts to synthesise and translate evidence into policy activities for healthy and sustainable diets and food systems.

Educational opportunities

Work on the frontline

We recognise the need to train health professionals who can work on the frontline of environment-related public health emergencies. Our education and training prepares pre-service and in-service health professionals with the knowledge, skills and values to confidently participate in an evolving health sector impacted by environmental change.

Bachelor of Health Sciences (majoring in Health, Nature and Sustainability)

Learn to drive sustainable health outcomes

Co-designed with industry, the Promoting Human and Planetary Health short course provides you with an understanding of the interconnectedness of human and planetary health. Learn why it is important for the health of humans and the environment and how to work toward sustainable health outcomes. Plus, you’ll be able to gain half a unit of credit to apply towards a Deakin masters degree.

Promoting Human and Planetary Health (stackable short course)

Our work

Asthma – The canary in the Australian coalmine: Making the links between climate change, fossil fuel and public health outcomes

A recent paper by members of the SHN highlights current evidence on the relationships between climate change, air pollution, fossil fuel use and their impacts on public health, using asthma as a case study.

Download the article (PDF, 295.8KB)

New national sustainable asthma care roadmap 

Australia faces a significant burden from asthma, with one in nine Australians affected. The current reliance on pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), which contain hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants, contributes substantially to the nation’s carbon footprint. Transitioning to low-carbon alternatives is essential to improve asthma care while reducing environmental impacts.

How to get involved

To find out more about the Sustainable Health and Environment Network or talk to us about partnering to address these complex challenges, please get in touch with our team.

Email the Sustainable Health and Environment Network

Discover more

Faculty of Health
Sustainability
Institute for Health Transformation
Our people
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