Reducing the environmental impact of clinical laboratories

Joseph B. Lopez, David Jackson, Alistair Gammie, Tony Badrick*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Healthcare is a significant contributor to environmental impact but this has received little attention. The typical laboratory uses far more energy and water per unit area than the typical office building. There is a need to sensitise laboratories to the importance of adopting good environmental practices. Since this comes at an initial cost, it is vital to obtain senior management support. Convincing management of the various tangible and intangible benefits that can accrue in the long run should help achieve this support. Many good environmental practices do not have a cost but will require a change in the culture and mind-set of the organisation. Continuing education and training are important keys to successful implementation of good practices. There is a need to undertake a rigorous cost-benefit analysis of every change that is introduced in going green. The adoption of good practices can eventually lead to ISO certification if this is desired. This paper provides suggestions that will allow a laboratory to start going green. It will allow the industry to enhance its corporate citizenship whilst improving its competitive advantage for long-term.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-11
Number of pages9
JournalClinical Biochemist Reviews
Volume38
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

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