Sustainability in Healthcare

How Surgery Centers Can Be More Sustainable: A Comprehensive Guide.

Sustainability in healthcare is becoming increasingly important as the industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint. Surgery centers, with their high energy consumption and waste production, have a significant role to play in this effort. Here are some strategies to help surgery centers become more sustainable.

1. Optimize Energy Use

Operating rooms are among the most energy-intensive areas in healthcare facilities. Implementing energy-efficient practices can significantly reduce consumption:

• LED Lighting: Replace traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs consume less power and have a longer lifespan.
• HVAC Systems: Upgrade to energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Regular maintenance (check for leaks) and smart controls can further optimize energy use. Make sure to change filters on a regular basis.
• Renewable Energy: Consider integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power your facility. Conduct an energy audit to form a baseline in which you can show improvement over time.
• Equipment: Turn off equipment when not in use and especially over the weekend and holidays unless the item has to stay on (refrigeration). Possibly use a higher temperature setting for refrigerated items as long as the average temperature stays within the recommended guidelines of the products being stored. Group the work you have for equipment, i.e. sterilzerilization, so you can turn the unit off for a longer period of time and not have to operate it every day.

2. Reduce Waste

Surgery centers generate a substantial amount of waste, much of which can be minimized through better practices:

• Single-Use Items: Reduce reliance on single-use items by opting for reusable alternatives where possible. Sterilizable surgical instruments and cloth drapes can replace disposable ones.
• Recycling Programs: Implement comprehensive recycling programs for materials like paper, plastics, and metals. Ensure proper segregation and disposal of medical waste.
• Waste Audits: Conduct regular waste audits to identify areas where waste can be reduced and recycling can be increased.

3. Sustainable Anesthesia Practices

Anesthetic gasses contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of surgery centers. Adopting sustainable anesthesia practices can help mitigate this impact:

• Low-Flow Anesthesia: Use low-flow anesthesia techniques to reduce the volume of anesthesia gasses released into the environment.
• Alternative Gasses: Opt for anesthetic gasses with a lower environmental impact such as sevoflurane instead of desflurane.
• Gas Capture System: Invest in gas capture and recycling systems to minimize the release of harmful gasses.

4. Efficient Water Use

Water conservation is another critical aspect of sustainability in surgery centers:

• Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water consumption.
• Water Recycling: Implement water recycling systems to reuse water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and cooling.
• Leak Detection: Regularly inspect plumbing systems for leaks and repair them promptly to prevent wasting water.

5. Sustainable Procurement

Adopt sustainable procurement practices to reduce the environmental impact of the products and services you use:

• Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products made from sustainable materials and those with minimal packaging.
• Local Suppliers: Source products from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy. 
• Green Certification: Look for suppliers with green certifications, indicating their commitment to sustainability.

6. Staff Engagement and Training

Engaging and educating staff is crucial for the success of sustainability initiatives:

• Training Programs: Implement training programs to educate staff about sustainable practice and their importance.
• Green Teams: Form green teams to lead sustainability efforts and encourage staff participation.
• Incentives: Offer incentives for staff who actively contribute to sustainability goals, such as recognition programs or rewards.

7. Monitor and Evaluate

Regularly monitor and evaluate your sustainability efforts to ensure continuous improvement:

• Sustainability Metrics: Establish metrics to track energy use, waste production, water consumption, and other key initiatives.
• Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and measure progress.
• Reporting: Share your sustainability achievements with staff, patients, and the community to build support and accountability.

By implementing these strategies, surgery centers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of patient care. Sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the long-term success and reputation of your facility.