We are Women’s offers the WCH community a chance to get to know each other and share our stories.
Name: Benjamin Hung
Pronouns: He/him
Title & Department: Supervisor, Operations Support Services & Sustainability Lead
On the WCH team for: 1.5 years
1. What does your typical day look like?
My typical day begins early with a clear focus on ensuring that the hospital’s Environmental Services (EVS) duties are covered in all areas. I start by reviewing schedules and ensuring that all shifts are adequately staffed, answering emails, managing payroll and maintaining EVS tools, machines phones and equipment to ensure each day runs as smoothly as possible.
A key part of my role is checking in on the well-being of our EVS staff. I believe that a healthy and motivated team is the backbone of our success, so I make it a point to offer support and address any needs they may have throughout the day.
In addition to these daily tasks, I take time to review our month-to-month diversion report. This helps track our progress in sustainability efforts, identifying areas where we can improve waste management and diversion practices. Part of my role is to seek out new sustainability programs and initiatives that can further reduce our environmental footprint, which is an ongoing focus.
Right now, I’m taking the lead on organizing Earth Day activities. It’s an exciting initiative that ties into our broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Planning these events takes coordination, creativity, and collaboration, and I’m excited to bring together our team for meaningful and impactful activities.
As the day winds down, I reflect on the tasks completed, ensuring that everything is in place for a smooth transition into the following day. My work is a balance of leadership in EVS operations, supporting the team, and driving forward our sustainability goals.
2. What excites you the most about working at WCH in your new role?
I’m excited to have the opportunity to drive meaningful change for the environment and community well-being. My purpose in my new role is to inspire everyone to embrace changes that will lead to a lasting positive impact. Sustainability is about creating systems that can benefit people and the planet long-term. At WCH, to be able to collaborate with a diverse team from all different departments towards sustainability goals and initiatives is incredibly rewarding.
3. What initiatives will you be working on as Sustainability Lead?
I’ll be working on reducing waste through practices like reusing, recycling, and composting, and educating employees about sustainability practices and encouraging them to adopt greener habits at work and at home.
Most recently, we’ve implemented designated battery recycling bins on all service elevator landings to help reduce the environmental impact of used batteries. Batteries, when disposed of improperly, can release harmful chemicals that pose a significant threat to the environment. By providing convenient recycling options in easily accessible areas, we are encouraging responsible disposal of batteries, ensuring they are recycled properly and preventing contamination in landfills.
In addition to the battery recycling initiative, we’ve introduced organics waste bins in all washrooms for the disposal of paper towels. Paper towels are often thrown away with regular waste, leading to unnecessary landfill accumulation. By providing dedicated bins for paper towel disposal, we’re ensuring that this waste is diverted to composting.
4. Tell us one to three things that your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you.
I’m an avid sports enthusiast—cycling and ice hockey are my go-to activities to stay active and unwind. These hobbies provide a great way to clear my mind and keep me energized throughout the day. I’m also a horology enthusiast, with a particular love for watches that feature intricate complications and precise timekeeping. The art of measuring time fascinates me, and I enjoy learning about the history and craftsmanship behind timepieces. I also specialize in sourcing luxury timepieces. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
Lastly, I have a good sense of humor. Life is short, and I always appreciate the funny side of things. Whether it’s sharing a joke with my team or finding humor in the day-to-day, I believe laughter is key to maintaining a positive, productive environment.