Minimizing the environmental impact of hospitals by focusing on carbon footprint reduction

The environmental sustainability of hospitals is an increasingly critical issue globally, as healthcare systems are expanding rapidly, together with the growing concerns about climate change and depletion of resources. With healthcare systems expanding, the environmental impact of hospitals, particularly their carbon footprint, has become a critical concern. The study aimed to examine a range of approaches aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of hospitals, with an emphasis on reducing carbon footprints to pinpoint effective strategies and underscore areas where research is lacking. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase databases from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024. The study included 17 studies highlighting effective strategies for reducing hospitals' carbon footprints. Key interventions included integrating renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable procurement practices. Hospitals implementing these strategies have noted considerable declines in carbon emissions, with certain facilities realizing reductions of as much as 40 percent by incorporating renewable energy sources. Waste reduction strategies, such as improved segregation, recycling programs, and reducing single-use plastics, contributed to lower indirect emissions. Despite these successes, challenges such as high initial investment costs, limited technical expertise, and resistance to change were noted, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Key strategies such as renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable procurement have effectively reduced carbon emissions and enhanced operational efficiency. However, high upfront costs, technical gaps, and resistance to change, especially in low-resource settings, hinder widespread implementation.