The Issues
As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation escalate, sustainability has become a critical imperative across industries, including healthcare. The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and energy consumption. Striking a balance between providing quality care and reducing environmental impact poses challenges. Achieving sustainable healthcare necessitates understanding the sector's ecological footprint, identifying areas of inefficiency, and developing eco-friendly practices. Challenges include adopting renewable energy sources, optimizing water consumption, reducing single-use plastics, and minimizing waste generation. Conducting sustainability research is essential to establish evidence-based strategies and innovations that promote greener healthcare practices, fostering a positive impact on both public health and the environment.