Green Operating Rooms

Fundación Valle del Lili

Green Operating Rooms

A model that transforms surgery into a low-carbon, safer, and more sustainable process

Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

COL

Nonprofit

The healthcare sector contributes around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with over 70% coming from its supply chain. This creates a major environmental challenge, especially in countries like Colombia, where hospitals often lack resources to adopt sustainable practices. Operating rooms are particularly expensive and inefficient, relying heavily on single-use materials and outdated infrastructure, which increases both environmental and financial costs. This study highlights sustainability initiatives at a high-complexity hospital in Colombia, aiming to reduce waste and improve efficiency. One key measure is replacing disposable materials with reusable metal boxes for centralized sterilization, significantly lowering medical waste. In addition, infrastructure improvements focus on energy efficiency and more sustainable operations. Globally, millions are affected by the environmental impacts of healthcare systems, particularly in urban settings where pollution and waste are concentrated. Addressing the supply chain, material use, and infrastructure can help reduce emissions while also lowering long-term costs. These changes contribute to a more sustainable healthcare model that benefits both local communities and the global effort to fight climate change.

Based on the successful implementation of green operating rooms at Fundación Valle del Lili, which has achieved a reduction of 10.9 tons of PVC and 273.9 tons of CO2eq in carbon footprint, the solution is to expand this strategy, making operating rooms more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable within the One Health framework. The strategy includes 8 key actions: -Reusable Pajamas and Gowns: Washable, sterilizable, anti-fluid surgical gowns avoid 7.2 tons of hospital waste per month. -Rational Use of Medicines: Responsible medication management reduces pharmaceutical contamination. -Efficient LED Lighting: 100% of operating rooms use LED lights, reducing energy consumption by 80% and minimizing hazardous waste. -Sustainable Anesthetic Gases: Elimination of nitrous oxide and reduction of inhaled anesthetics cut the carbon footprint by 5% in one year. -Advanced HVAC System: Efficient, belt-free EC air conditioning motors require less maintenance. -Eco-friendly Reusable Devices: Reusable anesthesia masks and silicone resuscitators avoided 274 tons of CO2e and 11 tons of PVC DEHP. -Reusable Sterilization Containers. -Efficient Laundry: Reusable surgical laundry usage increased by 54%, avoiding 6.4 tons of CO2e. These strategies promote a more sustainable healthcare model, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

This innovative strategy is designed to provide low-carbon healthcare, directly benefiting a diverse range of populations, including women, the elderly, children, and adolescents. As a high-complexity healthcare institution, we perform approximately 28,000 surgeries annually, and this approach will enable us to continue meeting the critical healthcare needs of our patients in the operating rooms while minimizing our environmental footprint. By integrating low-carbon care practices, we are not only enhancing the sustainability of our own services but also setting a powerful example for other healthcare institutions to follow. This positions us as a leading benchmark in the healthcare sector, demonstrating that it is possible to deliver high-quality care with a reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, by adopting this approach, we aim to create a ripple effect, encouraging other hospitals and healthcare organizations to implement similar strategies, thereby amplifying the positive environmental impact across the broader healthcare system. Ultimately, our commitment to low-carbon healthcare contributes to the global sustainability goals of the healthcare sector, ensuring that we are safeguarding both public health and the planet for future generations.