Introduction
Healthcare systems use large amounts of energy, resources, and materials, which can have a significant impact on the environment. In this bulletin, we’ll look at how healthcare contributes to environmental issues and explore ways we can work together to reduce this impact. Understanding these effects will help us create a more sustainable future for healthcare.
Key Environmental Impact of Healthcare
1) Energy
A large portion of carbon emissions can be traced to energy use across the healthcare sector. Healthcare facilities require a lot of energy for heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water. Globally, the energy used to cool hospitals each year is estimated to produce the same amount of emissions as 110 coal power plants. Additionally, energy consumption along the healthcare supply chain is responsible for a significant share of carbon emissions
2) Manufacturing
The manufacturing, delivery, consumption, and disposal of products and services account for about 60-70% of the healthcare sector’s global carbon footprint. From medical supplies to equipment, the production of healthcare materials is energy-intensive and adds to the environmental burden.
3) Drugs & Medications
Each year, billions of dollars’ worth of drugs are discarded because they come in vials larger than what is needed for a single patient. This leads to unnecessary wastage of both medication and resources, contributing to the sector’s overall environmental impact.
4) Single-Use Items
Manufacturing replacements for disposable items like surgical equipment, blood pressure cuffs, and bed linen generates significant emissions. Incineration of these items, which is commonly practiced, can also release pollutants into the air if not done properly. The use of single-use items increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as healthcare professionals relied on disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce infection risks.
Towards a Greener Healthcare System
By understanding how healthcare impacts the environment, we can take steps to reduce waste, lower energy consumption, and support sustainable practices. Every small change helps, and together, we can create a healthier, greener future for all.
References
• https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-environmental-impact-of-healthcare.
