Technology lies at the intersection of health and sustainability, offering a wide array of opportunities that will revolutionize the way we access healthcare services.
On February 22, at the Hello Tomorrow Turkey Summit stage, Dr. Sarah Allison emphasized that the healthcare sector needs sustainable solutions.
“In a sector focused on providing sterile products, the number of single-use products is significantly high. I believe this is a problem that needs to be addressed and made sustainable; market figures reflect this; green solutions in health promise a very high growth rate.”
By highlighting these words, Dr. Allison broadened the vision of both health entrepreneurs and climate technology entrepreneurs regarding this issue.
Why Are Sustainable Solutions in Health Important?
Healthcare Contributes to 5% of Global Emissions: The healthcare sector is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although estimates vary, it is generally reported to be around 4-5% of global emissions. In developed countries, where the healthcare sector is more advanced, this percentage is noted to rise to 8-9%.
The Healthcare Sector Consumes 5-8% of Global Energy: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities consume energy intensively. The energy required for lighting, heating, cooling, and operating medical equipment results in a significant carbon footprint. Globally, the healthcare sector consumes 5-8% of our energy.
Single-Use Plastics and Medical Waste: The healthcare sector generates a significant amount of single-use plastic waste. Single-use products, packaging, and medical materials contribute greatly to environmental pollution. For a single hospitalized patient, over 15 kilograms of waste is produced daily, almost a quarter of which is plastic. Improper disposal of medical waste, including hazardous waste, increases environmental pollution and poses a risk to public health.
Transportation: The transportation of patients, healthcare workers, medical supplies, and pharmaceutical products contributes to the carbon footprint.
Water Consumption: Healthcare facilities, especially large hospitals, consume significant amounts of water for various purposes, including sanitation, cleaning, and medical equipment.
The healthcare sector significantly contributes to the climate change problem that we cannot ignore. It is our collective responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of this critical sector and redesign how we deliver healthcare services for a healthier planet. Within this framework of responsibility, there are many institutions/initiatives developing technologies, making innovations, and offering sustainable solutions.
How Can Technology Initiatives Support the Green Transformation of the Healthcare Sector?
Green Hospitals: We can transform healthcare facilities into green buildings that prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability practices. Example: The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania (USA) implements the Green + Sustainable Design program. This internal initiative focuses on reducing energy consumption across hospitals and healthcare facilities, optimizing waste management, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Remote Patient Monitoring Technology: By leveraging remote patient monitoring technology, we can reduce transportation emissions and resource usage by minimizing the need for medical visits for patients and their families. Example: Philips' Remote Monitoring and Telehealth program provides devices that track patients' vital signs and other health metrics. Healthcare providers can monitor patients’ health from a distance, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital visits and transportation-related carbon emissions.
Reusable Medical Devices and Equipment: We can design reusable medical devices and equipment to reduce waste and promote sustainability in healthcare. Example: In 2018, Johnson & Johnson launched a “Circular Economy Approach” for medical device products. This initiative focuses on designing products for reusability, recycling, or refurbishment, thereby reducing the environmental impact of single-use medical devices.
Telemedicine and Virtual Health Services: By expanding telemedicine and virtual health services to offer accessible and environmentally friendly healthcare, we can reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional healthcare delivery. Example: Babylon Health, a digital health company based in the UK, offers telemedicine services that allow patients to consult with health professionals remotely via video calls or messaging. Babylon Health contributes to reducing transportation-related carbon emissions by decreasing the need for physical appointments.
Green Pharmaceutical Production: We can develop sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact and promote eco-friendly drug production. Example: Novartis has set imbitious environmental goals, including reducing carbon emissions and water usage in manufacturing operations. The company aims to minimize its environmental footprint while producing life-saving drugs by investing in renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient technologies.
Let's Come Together as Deep Tech Entrepreneurs
🚀 As a dynamic technology community, we have the skills and creativity to drive sustainable change in the healthcare sector. Let’s collaborate on cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Technology, sustainability, and the convergence of healthcare is not an unattainable vision but a viable reality. Let’s advance this movement together to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that benefits both humanity and our planet.
