The Environmental Impact of Healthcare

Data suggest that the global healthcare sector exceeds 4.4 and 5.2 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Aviation, by comparison, is estimated to contribute 2 to 5 percent [1]. In other words, if the healthcare sector were a country, it would rank as the 5th largest contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 4.0%–8.5% of global emissions [2]. The sector’s emissions in the U.S. alone grew by 6% between 2010 and 2018, primarily due to hospital care, medical services, and prescription medications [2]. Hospitals are the largest emitters within the healthcare sector, responsible for 36% of healthcare’s GHG emissions. This substantial environmental footprint underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices in healthcare, including radiology [3]. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for sustainable healthcare practices, including radiology. 

Reducing the Environmental Footprint in Radiology

Radiology departments, crucial in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, are responsible for aligning their practices with environmental sustainability principles. However, ​radiology departments are significant energy consumers within healthcare facilities, primarily due to the continuous operation of advanced imaging equipment. Notably, studies have shown that 40% to 91% of the energy consumed by radiological devices occurs during non-productive periods when the machines are powered on but not actively in use [4]. Other studies also showed that diagnostic radiology departments account for about 9% of the carbon emission footprint in medicine [5,6]. 

Resource-heavy Processes

Traditional radiology methods rely on resource-heavy processes such as film-based imaging, paper-based reporting, and energy-intensive Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Green radiology aims to minimize environmental harm through digital transformation. Most GHG emissions in diagnostic radiology come from manufacturing imaging equipment and the energy needed to power it [7]. 

In other words, we can say that Radiology’s environmental Footprint originates from its [8]:

• Energy used to power and produce medical imaging equipment
• Waste disposal from diagnostic radiology procedures, including radiology printed film, paperwork, water contamination from contrast agents and medical waste
• Use of limited  resources, including helium and iodine 

Local computer workstations are another important source of GHG emissions in radiology departments. One study found that 32 workstations in one department consumed enough energy to power 12 family homes [9]. Most energy was consumed when the workstations were not being used. Another study found that computers and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) stations left at night and on weekends in a radiology department generated GHG emissions similar to the annual emissions from 10 vehicles [10]. Shutting down the workstations will also reduce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption, as fewer reporting stations generate heat [11].

Moreover, the cooling processes of radiology equipment and the energy consumption generated by the enterprise PACS contribute significantly to the energy consumption and carbon emission for hospitals, especially when these systems are left on overnight, as commonly practiced in radiology departments [12].

For instance, in an intermediate-size or large radiology department, a considerable number of workstations always remain in operation, regardless of their actual use. This prevalent practice is particularly evident in hospital facilities, where hundreds of workstations contribute significantly to unnecessary energy consumption. As a result, excessive energy waste exacerbates the environmental footprint associated with radiology [13].

Additionally, Radiology staff are increasingly aware of climate change and are eager to adopt greener practices. A key contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in this field is staff transportation — with studies estimating up to 1.85 tons of CO₂ per person annually from travel for work and training alone. Expanding teleradiology services, along with virtual training, teleconferencing, and remote consultations, can significantly reduce this footprint. While challenges like bandwidth limitations and educational quality in online formats exist, prioritizing digital alternatives [14]. Therefore, Remote reporting can reduce GHG emissions from radiologists’ travel [15].

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable Practices that can be adopted now, which align radiology with the sustainability goals of modern healthcare:

• Shutting down imaging equipment when not in use
• Shutting down computers and monitors at the end of the day
• Turning off heating and ventilation when not in use
• Using motion-detector lights out of hours
• Changing the habits of waste disposal, such as old plain-film radiographs.
• Minimizing the use of paper
• Expanding teleradiology services for more greener radiology.  

Undoubtedly, the way radiology services are delivered plays a crucial role in shaping their environmental footprint. While suppliers and manufacturers are beginning to innovate under growing environmental regulations, radiology departments must also take active responsibility. We can influence the entire supply chain by embracing teleradiology, reducing unnecessary travel, and prioritizing low-emission technologies. Leveraging our purchasing power to favour sustainable vendors and digital solutions is essential to driving meaningful, long-term reductions in healthcare-related emissions. 

Therefore, the need for innovative platforms that combine sustainability with clinical efficiency is essential to accelerate this transition toward greener radiology. This is where Rology comes into focus, offering a scalable, cloud-based teleradiology solution that addresses diagnostic demands and actively contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of radiology services.

Rology’s Sustainable Approach to Radiology

Rology, a leading provider of digital teleradiology solutions, is championing the shift towards Green Radiology by eliminating outdated and wasteful imaging practices. 

Here’s how:

• Eliminating Film-Based Imaging

Traditional X-ray films require chemicals for processing, generate waste, and increase energy consumption. Digital X-rays, on the other hand, offer a 100% paperless and chemical-free alternative.

• Paperless Cloud-Based Reporting

Instead of relying on paper for diagnostics and reporting, Rology’s cloud-based system provides a secure and efficient solution, reducing paper waste while streamlining workflows [16].

• Energy-Efficient Remote Access

Rology’s platform allows radiologists to access and interpret images remotely, eliminating the need for high-energy-consuming on-premise PACS servers. Hospitals in low-resource settings can now provide high-quality diagnostics without expensive infrastructure [17].

• Reducing Radiologists’ Travel

By enabling remote access and teleradiology, Rology minimizes the need for radiologists to travel for work and training, significantly cutting down on associated CO₂ emissions.

• Avoiding Machine Misutilization

With smarter scheduling and digital workflow integration, Rology helps avoid unnecessary equipment usage, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

• Minimizing Night Shift Energy Waste

Rology’s cloud-based infrastructure allows for optimized energy use by avoiding the continuous operation of high-energy-consuming on-site workstations and PACS servers overnight.

Join the Green Radiology Movement

By reducing reliance on film, paper, and energy-intensive PACS, Rology is setting a new standard in Green Radiology. Its sustainable approach benefits not just the environment but also enhances efficiency, affordability, and accessibility in healthcare. As healthcare advances, it is crucial to prioritize sustainability. Rology is leading this transformation, proving that better healthcare doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet. Together, let’s save lives one diagnostic scan at a time.

If your healthcare facility is interested in leveraging Rology’s cutting-edge technology to streamline workflows and improve diagnostic accuracy, we invite you to learn more and contact us. Visit Rology website to explore how we can support your needs and help you achieve excellence in radiological services.