As we mark Earth Week, it’s a good time to showcase three of our members efforts to decarbonize healthcare. These initiatives not only signify a commitment to environmental stewardship but also underscore the vital role of the healthcare sector in fostering a sustainable future.
Let’s dive into their efforts and explore how they are contributing to a healthier planet for current and future generations.
According to our Foundation Member, McKinsey, in most industrialised nations, healthcare systems constitute nearly 10 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions, a greater proportion than either the aviation or shipping industries.
“If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth largest GHG emitter on the planet, annually producing two gigatons of CO2 equivalent.”
McKinsey’s analysis reveals that within the healthcare sector, life sciences companies can exhibit an emissions intensity two to three times higher than that of healthcare delivery organisations.
This is why we encourage and support companies that are committed to reducing the healthcare industry’s environmental impact and taking action.
Trimedika
Our ECHAlliance member Trimedika recognises that the healthcare industry generates a significant amount of waste, much of which is plastic. This poses a major environmental challenge, as plastic waste can pollute waterways, harm wildlife, and contribute to climate change.
In response to the need for sustainable healthcare, Trimedika introduced TRITEMP™, a medical-grade non-contact thermometer that requires zero consumables. This contactless temperature measurement device offers a promising solution to the challenge of hospital plastic waste management by eliminating the need for single-use plastic probe covers.
“An 800-bed hospital takes around 2-3 million temperature readings per year, that’s 2-3 million single-use probe covers to dispose of. This translates to a potential savings of millions of plastic probe covers per year, significantly reducing the environmental impact of hospital waste,” Trimedika stated.
Trimedika strongly believes in the profound impact of sustainability on healthcare practices. Their efforts aim to bring the advantages of TRITEMP™ to hospitals and clinics in need, paving the way toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the healthcare sector.
PSD Nepal
The non-partisan, not-for-profit, and non-governmental social development organisation, Partnership for Sustainable Development (PSD), has a long-term aim to resource civil society, particularly the youth of Nepal, in influencing their environment positively.
By promoting sustainable, responsible, and economically-viable environmental projects, including start-up social enterprises, PSD is committed to fostering environmental stewardship. This commitment was evident in their event focused on climate change’s impact on the Himalayas and public health, reflecting their dedication to these goals. At COP28, held in December 2023, PSD-Nepal orchestrated a significant event titled “Preserving Health and Resilience in the Himalayas: Nepal’s Climate Odyssey.” This event highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change and the critical intersection between health and climate against the backdrop of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Adding to their impactful engagement at COP28, PSD-Nepal also held a workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 14-15, 2024. The workshop, titled “Connecting the Dots Between Climate Change and Health,” convened global leaders, policymakers, scientists, donors, and community implementers. This influential event, co-organised with institutions like the United States National Academy of Medicine and the Nepal Health Research Council, aimed to address the critical intersection of climate change, health, and equity in South and Southeast Asia. The workshop fostered discussions on immediate and long-term priorities for the region, highlighting the importance of community-led solutions and establishing a regional hub for ongoing collaboration.
Through these efforts, PSD-Nepal continues to champion a healthier, more resilient future for the region and beyond.
As we celebrate Earth Week, it’s inspiring to see our members leading the charge towards a greener and more sustainable future. Through their innovative initiatives and dedicated efforts, they are not only reducing environmental impact but also paving the way for a healthier planet for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference in building a more sustainable world.
