The green ICU: how to interpret green? A multiple perspective approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science in Healthcare
• Critical Care Medicine
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Intensive care societies globally recognize the urgent need to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Balancing high-quality patient care with environmental responsibility in critical care settings presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a practical, three-step framework for developing environmentally sustainable intensive care units (ICUs).
• To guide healthcare professionals in implementing green practices without compromising patient care.
• To foster a global shift towards environmentally responsible critical care.

Main Methods:

• Environmental sustainability measurement to identify impact hotspots and monitor progress.
• A multidisciplinary approach involving procurement specialists and healthcare professionals.
• Utilizing co-creation and green teams for grassroots change and context-specific implementation.
• Sharing results through publications and international networks to build momentum.

Main Results:

• The proposed three-step approach enables ICUs to quantify environmental impacts and track sustainability improvements.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration and context-specific strategies are crucial for successful implementation.
• Sharing findings and engaging in networks accelerates the adoption of sustainable healthcare practices.

Conclusions:

• The three-step approach offers a valuable, principle-based tool for professionals aiming to create greener ICUs.
• Implementing sustainable practices in critical care is feasible and essential for environmental responsibility.
• A systematic and collaborative approach can drive significant environmental improvements in intensive care.