Because the healthcare industry is a major source of harmful emissions, a trio of doctors have suggested a multi-faceted approach to incorporate environmental sustainability into healthcare value assessments, according to an article on the Yale News website.
Their “green print” plan to improve sustainability would engage clinicians and hospital administrators, regulatory bodies, policymakers, and healthcare-related industries in minimizing the healthcare sector’s environmental impact.
The U.S. healthcare system contributes 10 percent of the nation’s carbon emissions and 9 percent of harmful non-greenhouse air pollutants, according to the article.
The doctors suggest using sustainability science to examine how the healthcare sector depletes natural resources and produces toxic emissions that undermine public health.
Contaminants Under Foot: A Closer Look at Patient Room Floors
Power Outages Largely Driven by Extreme Weather Events
Nemours Children's Health Opens New Moseley Foundation Institute Hospital
Code Compliance Isn't Enough for Healthcare Resilience
Ribbon Cutting Marks First Phase Completion for New Montefiore Einstein Facility