6 Practices to Achieve Sustainability in Healthcare

Achieving sustainability in healthcare requires strategies that range from resource management to engaging patients and staff.

Small changes in daily processes, combined with investments in innovation, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare institutions.

Below are six detailed practices to achieve sustainability in the healthcare sector.

1. Implementation of Protocols to Reduce Material Waste

Hospitals and clinics can establish strict protocols for using medical supplies and materials, minimizing waste without compromising service quality.

An effective strategy is training staff to use medical gases, dressings, and medications efficiently.

When permitted by regulations, the safe reuse of single-use medical devices also helps conserve resources.

2. Creation of Energy Efficiency Programs with Smart Equipment

Replacing outdated equipment with energy-efficient technology is essential.

MRI machines, CT scanners, and LED lighting systems with motion sensors ensure greater energy savings.

Moreover, automated monitoring systems help identify consumption peaks, allowing real-time adjustments to prevent waste.

3. Water Reuse and Treatment in Clinical Processes

Healthcare institutions consume large amounts of water for sterilization, cooling, and cleaning. Installing water reuse systems for autoclaves, for example, reduces consumption.

Another measure is implementing hospital-based water treatment stations, ensuring reuse for non-clinical activities such as garden irrigation and outdoor cleaning.

4. Waste Management with Circular Economy Processes

Strict separation of hospital waste and partnerships with companies that recycle plastic, metal, and glass create a sustainable waste disposal cycle.

Hospitals can also develop composting programs for organic waste and unused food.

Setting up medical device refurbishment laboratories helps reduce electronic waste, extending the lifespan of medical equipment.

5. Promotion of Sustainable Transportation for Staff and Patients

Hospitals can encourage the use of bicycles and public transportation by providing bike racks, changing facilities, and shuttle services.

For patients, offering shared transportation for medical appointments and tests reduces CO2 emissions. Telemedicine further minimizes travel needs, optimizing time for both patients and healthcare professionals.

6. Environmental Education and Employee Engagement

Engaging doctors, nurses, and other staff in sustainable practices fosters an organizational culture focused on environmental preservation.

Environmental education programs, internal challenges to reduce consumption, and awards for the best-performing teams encourage collective participation.

These initiatives reinforce the institution’s commitment to sustainability and inspire daily changes.

About Pixeon

Pixeon is a Brazilian company with one of the largest portfolios of healthcare software solutions.

Our solutions serve hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and imaging diagnostic centers in both management (HIS, CIS, RIS, and LIS) and diagnostic processes (PACS and Laboratory Interface), ensuring high performance and efficiency in healthcare institutions.

The HIS/CIS software for hospitals and clinics, Pixeon Smart, is a comprehensive system that integrates the entire institution into a single platform. It is also certified at the highest level of digital maturity by the SBIS (Brazilian Society of Health Informatics).

With over 3,000 clients in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, our platforms serve millions of patients annually.

Want to know if Pixeon’s technologies offer everything you need for your hospital or clinic? Request a commercial consultation and discover the full potential of our management system!