Epson Article

Business

4 Ways to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Healthcare

01 Sep,2023

Healthcare organisations encounter several challenges when it comes to implementing sustainable strategies, ranging from overseeing awareness and regulatory compliance to controlling expenses and infrastructure limitations. 

Healthcare facilities can decrease their environmental impact and help to create a more sustainable future by implementing energy-efficient procedures, utilising sustainable tools and supplies, as well as effectively handling waste and recycling. Let's examine four crucial strategies that healthcare organisations might employ to overcome these obstacles and lower their carbon footprints.

1. Sustainable procurement

In the healthcare sector, one of the main sources of carbon emissions is the procurement process. Many of the products and pieces of equipment that hospitals and other healthcare facilities regularly use have a significant environmental impact. Healthcare organisations that prioritise sustainable purchasing practices can reduce their carbon footprint significantly.  

4Ways

This means looking for equipment and products that are energy and have little environmental impact over the course of their lifetime. 

2. Energy efficiency measures

Healthcare facilities can help reduce their carbon emissions by adopting more sustainable buying practices. Investing in eco-friendly resources and products, such medical equipment with low energy use and recyclable materials, can help lower their total carbon footprint across the supply chain.

Prioritising providers who share sustainable goals is another way to promote sustainability in the sector.

3. Waste management and recycling

4Ways

Effective waste management is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in healthcare. Medical facilities generate a significant amount of waste, including hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, and single-use plastics. 

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), implementing comprehensive waste management strategies in healthcare facilities can lead to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions associated with waste disposal. Thorough recycling and waste management programmes can mitigate these adverse environmental effects. This means sorting different waste materials, recycling items when it makes sense, and putting innovative waste reduction techniques into practice, such as composting organic waste and reusable medical equipment. 

4. Energy-efficient printers and copiers 

When considering measures to reduce carbon emissions, healthcare institutions should prioritise the adoption of energy-efficient printers and copiers. Epson's heat-free technology stands out as an exemplary solution, consuming a remarkable 94% less energy than traditional laser printers*, while also minimising usage. This makes it an ideal choice for healthcare organisations aiming to curb their carbon footprint. 

In contrast to laser printers, Epson's business inkjet printers operate with lower power consumption since they do not require a fuser unit for heating, thus significantly reducing energy usage. 

Additionally, Epson inkjet printers and copiers necessitate fewer part replacements than their laser counterparts, thereby alleviating the environmental strain associated with manufacturing and recycling additional resources. 

At San Donato Hospital Group, Epson technology has been significantly relevant. When faced with challenges of power supply affecting IT equipment and the need for a clean-hands, clean-air print technology in clinical settings, Epson inkjet became the ultimate solution. The hospital group installed a variety of Epson inkjet printers throughout its facilities, resulting not only in energy and cost savings but improved productivity and efficiency in the hospital's operations. This contributed to their goal of delivering high-quality healthcare services. 

Conclusion

4Ways

Reducing carbon emissions in healthcare settings is important for maintaining environmental sustainability and enhancing staff productivity. By implementing sustainable procurement practices, prioritising energy efficiency measures, adopting comprehensive waste management, and recycling programs, and incorporating energy-efficient office equipment like Epson inkjet printers, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. 

Click here to learn more about how Epson’s WorkForce inkjet printers printer can assist your healthcare facility in creating a more sustainable work environment. 

Click here to learn more about how Epson’s inkjet printers can assist healthcare organisations in creating a more sustainable work environment. 

*Epson's WF-C579R model is 97.0% more energy-efficient than 44 competitive models in the 21 to 35ppm A4 Colour MFP segment as at 1 Feb 2024 (comparing energy used while printing data).



Featured Products