In recent years, the healthcare sector has received attention in discussions about climate change and sustainability. Responsible for about 4.4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, healthcare’s carbon footprint calls for a reevaluation of procurement practices. Medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers in the United States need to recognize the link between procurement strategies and sustainability goals, as well as find solutions for reducing emissions.
Healthcare procurement includes various practices, from sourcing medical supplies and equipment to engaging vendors for essential services. These procurement processes can impact a facility’s carbon footprint significantly. The healthcare sector is responsible for about 8.5% of GHG emissions in the United States, with indirect emissions related to procurement—especially Scope 3 emissions—making up roughly 80% of this total.
The carbon footprint arises from several factors. The use of single-use medical supplies, energy-intensive equipment, poor waste management practices, and transportation emissions all play a role. Items such as plastics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals contribute significantly to waste generation and GHG emissions. Healthcare organizations must adopt sustainable procurement practices that support environmental responsibility, improve efficiency, and benefit patient care.
Sustainable procurement in healthcare is important for environmental protection and financial health. These practices can offer various benefits, including:
Organizations like Practice Greenhealth encourage healthcare facilities to develop purchasing strategies that maximize environmental impact while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Their guidelines stress the importance of evaluating the entire lifecycle of products, including disposal, which can inform procurement decisions.
A large part of healthcare’s carbon footprint comes from supply chain operations, known as Scope 3 emissions. Hospitals should examine their procurement strategies to better understand and reduce these emissions. A study from the NHS indicated that 59% of their greenhouse gas emissions came from the supply chain, with pharmaceuticals and medical devices being major contributors.
By targeting these areas, hospitals can achieve significant reductions in emissions. For instance:
Effective waste management practices are crucial for reducing the environmental impact of healthcare organizations. Approximately 85% of plastic waste in healthcare could be recycled, but around 91% ends up in landfills. Hospitals should enhance recycling and waste diversion programs to capture this potential.
Strategies can include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation offer chances to improve procurement practices in healthcare. Integrating these technologies can streamline operations and reduce resource consumption.
AI can make procurement smarter by:
AI can also enhance efficiencies in healthcare operations:
Healthcare organizations should engage in larger collaborations and initiatives that promote sustainability across the industry. The Sustainable Health in Procurement Project focuses on sustainable practices and collaboration in healthcare procurement, aimed at reducing GHG emissions and enhancing sustainability efforts.
Additionally, initiatives like the Health Care Climate Challenge urge hospitals and healthcare organizations to adopt climate-friendly practices. By participating in this challenge, organizations can access resources, share knowledge, and build a sustainability-focused culture.
Legislation promoting sustainability, like that in the European Green Deal, encourages support for sustainability goals. U.S. healthcare administrators can advocate for similar approaches in local contexts. By engaging with policymakers and participating in advocacy efforts, the healthcare sector can influence regulations that support sustainability.
Education plays a critical role in promoting sustainable practices. As healthcare professionals face various climate-related challenges, integrating climate education into medical training is essential. This equips future leaders with tools to address health challenges linked to climate change.
Continuous education programs for current medical staff can strengthen their understanding of how procurement practices affect health and environmental outcomes, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the healthcare sector is significant. Medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers must acknowledge the connection between procurement practices, operational efficiency, and health outcomes. By applying innovative strategies and technologies, like AI and automation, healthcare organizations can lower carbon footprints while promoting sustainability.
Healthcare’s role in addressing climate change offers opportunities for change. Through collective action and a commitment to sustainable practices, the sector can move towards a more responsible future. As healthcare continues to adapt, its dedication to lowering emissions and improving environmental health will help fulfill its mission to enhance patient care and community well-being.
The guide provides health care organizations with a step-by-step approach to developing a sustainable purchasing strategy that emphasizes community and environmental health while reducing costs.
Sustainable procurement is crucial as healthcare is resource-intensive and can leverage buying power to promote financial sustainability and benefit patients, staff, and the environment.
Benefits include significant cost reductions, maintaining operations during crises, attracting and retaining talent, promoting innovation, and addressing supply chain inequities and health hazards.
More than 70% of a health system’s greenhouse gas emissions are embedded in the products and services they purchase.
The guide utilizes a ‘plan-do-check-act’ cycle, a common quality process improvement method in healthcare, to develop and implement effective sustainable procurement programs.
It leads to cost reductions through more efficient resource use, streamlined processes, and better labor management, which collectively enhance financial performance.
The guide details best practices for engaging internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive sustainable procurement efforts and align them with organizational goals.
Organizations are encouraged to consider the total cost of ownership of products to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices among suppliers.
Hospitals can act as responsible stewards by reducing their environmental impact and encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices through their procurement strategies.
More than 43,000 hospitals and health systems are part of a global network focused on sustainable operations through organizations like Practice Greenhealth.
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