[Steps for reducing the carbon footprint of the operating room]

The healthcare sector contributes significantly to global warming due to carbon emissions; this sector is, therefore, partially responsible for the negative effects of climate change on public health. Carbon emissions by the healthcare sector amount to 7% of the total carbon footprint of the Netherlands. It is anticipated that measures to reduce carbon emissions in the operating room (OR) can make an important contribution to reducing carbonemissions in the hospital as a whole. The most important elements contributing to the carbon footprint of the OR are: energy consumption for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); the emission of inhalation anaesthetics; the purchase of materials and equipment; and waste production. Direct carbon emissions by the OR can be reduced through the use of sustainable energy and setback of the HVAC outside office hours. Anaesthetists can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the OR by choosing for intravenous anaesthetics instead of inhalation anaesthetics. Indirect carbon emissions and waste production by the OR can be reduced through circular procurement, choosing reusable over disposable products and recycling.