Sustainability in Healthcare: 6 Ways to Apply It in Practice

Sustainability in healthcare involves adopting practices and processes that reduce environmental impact, promote conscious resource use, and ensure long-term efficiency in healthcare institutions.

Implementing sustainable actions provides significant benefits such as contributing to the reduction of operating costs, improving the institution’s image, and providing a safer environment for patients and professionals.

Staying up to date on this topic is essential to avoid increased waste, expenses, and the risk of the institution compromising its social and environmental responsibility, in addition to losing competitiveness in the market.

In this article, understand the concept of sustainability in healthcare, learn more about its benefits and the main practices to achieve it. Check it out!

What is sustainability in healthcare?

Sustainability in healthcare is the application of practices aimed at reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource use, and promoting social responsibility within the sector.

It involves everything from hospital waste management and energy efficiency to the use of technologies that reduce waste and improve quality of care.

By adopting these good practices, institutions maintain a balance between patient care, environmental preservation, and long-term financial viability.

Benefits of sustainable practices in the healthcare industry

The adoption of sustainable practices in the healthcare sector goes beyond environmental preservation, representing an advance in care quality, operational agility, and resource savings.
Below, we highlight four benefits that show how sustainability in healthcare positively impacts the sector.

Reduction of operational and financial costs

The implementation of sustainable practices, such as the efficient use of energy, water, and disposable materials, generates savings for healthcare institutions.

Hospitals that invest in solar energy technologies or air conditioning systems reduce their electricity expenses. Additionally, digitizing processes and eliminating excessive paper use reduce operating costs and improve team productivity.

However, it is worth remembering the importance of very careful analysis before implementing practices aimed at cost reduction. After all, it is essential that the patient experience remains satisfactory.

Improved quality of care and patient safety

More sustainable environments provide a better experience for patients and healthcare providers.

Indoor air quality, for example, can be improved with proper ventilation and non-toxic materials, preventing hospital infections.

The rational use of medications and supplies, combined with the correct disposal of waste, reduces the risk of contamination and increases safety in medical procedures.

Strengthening reputation and attracting patients

Healthcare institutions that adopt sustainable practices stand out as innovative and responsible leaders, strengthening patients’ trust and loyalty.
With environmental responsibility increasingly valued, sustainable hospitals and clinics attract more people, as well as partnerships with companies and governments committed to sustainability.
This positive reputation enhances brand value.

Contribution to public health and local communities

Practices such as recycling campaigns, environmental education programs, and investments in community projects strengthen public health and promote well-being in vulnerable regions.

By reducing pollution and waste, institutions contribute to disease prevention and create a cycle of benefits that impacts the entire community, generating a healthier environment for all.

6 practices to achieve sustainability in healthcare

The pursuit of sustainability in healthcare requires strategies, ranging from resource management to the engagement of patients and employees.
Small changes in daily processes, combined with investments in innovation, can transform the environmental impact of institutions.
Below, we present six detailed practices to achieve sustainability in the healthcare industry.

1. Implementation of protocols to reduce material waste

Hospitals and clinics can create strict protocols for the use of medical materials and supplies, reducing waste without compromising service excellence.
An effective strategy is to train teams to consciously use medical gases, dressings, and medications.
The safe reuse of single-use medical products, when regulations allow, also contributes to resource savings.

2. Creation of energy efficiency programs with smart equipment

It is necessary to replace obsolete equipment with energy-efficient technologies.

Magnetic resonance machines, CT scanners, and LED lighting systems controlled by motion sensors ensure greater savings.

Additionally, automated monitoring systems help identify consumption spikes, allowing real-time adjustments to avoid waste.

3. Water reuse and treatment in clinical processes

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

Another measure is the adoption of water treatment plants located within the hospital, ensuring reuse in non-clinical activities, such as garden irrigation and cleaning of external areas.

4. Waste management with circular economy processes

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

Hospitals can develop composting programs for organic and uneaten food waste.

The implementation of medical device remanufacturing labs also contributes to the reduction of electronic waste, extending the useful life of devices.

5. Encouraging sustainable transportation for professionals and patients

Hospitals can offer incentives for the use of bicycles and public transportation by providing bike racks, locker rooms, and shuttle transport.

For patients, offering shared transportation to appointments and exams reduces CO2 emissions. Telemedicine reduces the need for travel, optimizing time for both patients and professionals.

6. Environmental education and employee engagement

Involving doctors, nurses, and other employees in sustainable practices creates an organizational culture focused on environmental preservation.

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

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

About Pixeon

Pixeon is the company with the largest software portfolio for the healthcare market.

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

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

We already have over 3,000 clients in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, serving millions of patients annually through our platforms.

Want to know if Pixeon’s technologies offer everything you’ve always wanted for your hospital or clinic?

Request a commercial consultation and be amazed by everything our management system can provide!