Sustainability Practices and Green Lab Initiatives in Clinical Laboratories in Pakistan: A National e-Survey-Based
Sibtain Ahmed1, Alizeh Sonia Fatimi2, Imran Siddiqui1
1Section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
EJIFCC
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Clinical laboratories in Pakistan show progress in energy-efficient lighting and electronic reporting but lag in water conservation and renewable energy. Limited resources and awareness are key barriers to adopting green lab practices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Healthcare Management
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Clinical laboratories are essential healthcare components but pose environmental challenges due to high resource consumption and waste generation.
- The healthcare sector in Pakistan faces funding limitations and a lack of awareness regarding sustainable practices.
- There is a scarcity of data on green practices within Pakistani clinical laboratories, necessitating an assessment of current efforts and adoption barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adoption status of sustainability and green laboratory practices in clinical laboratories across Pakistan.
- To identify the primary barriers hindering the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives in these facilities.
- To understand the perceived environmental and cost impacts, as well as future aspirations for sustainability.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 12 clinical laboratories nationwide, including those in Islamabad and provincial capitals.
- A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, current green practices (energy, water, waste), barriers, impacts, and future goals.
- Data was collected via Google Forms and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Main Results:
- Widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting (75%) and electronic reporting (91.7%) was observed.
- Limited implementation of water-saving technologies (8.3%) and zero use of renewable energy sources were noted.
- Key barriers included limited resources (58.3%), insufficient staff awareness (50%), and financial constraints (41.7%).
Conclusions:
- Urgent implementation of structured sustainability policies, financial incentives, and educational programs is recommended for Pakistani clinical laboratories.
- Significant gaps persist in energy efficiency, waste management, and regulatory compliance, despite some progress.
- Enhancing green laboratory practices is crucial for mitigating environmental impact and improving healthcare sustainability in Pakistan.
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