Greening the lab: Creation of a national playbook on environmental sustainability in lab medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is the greatest threat to the health of future generations, yet the healthcare system is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Clinical laboratories drive much of this impact due to the high volume of testing, reliance on consumables, and energy requirements of modern labs. Labs are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Reducing environmental impacts and improving climate change resilience can lead to cost savings, enhanced staff engagement, and better patient care.

Methods: Limited guidance is available for medical laboratories seeking to improve environmental sustainability. Through review of existing literature, consultation with experts, and collaboration with experienced labs, a CASCADES playbook has been developed to offer evidence-based direction for implementing high-quality, low-carbon lab practices.

Results: The Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Clinical Laboratories playbook captures a snapshot of the current state of environmental considerations in lab medicine as they start to become formalized. Recommendations regarding appropriate testing, energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing waste, and reducing water use are put forward, as well as suggestions concerning green chemistry and procurement. Tools and resources for implementation are provided. Labs are encouraged to be a voice for change, advancing a culture of sustainability within their institutions.

Conclusions: Incorporating sustainable principles into lab operations, testing algorithms, and climate-resilient laboratory design will allow the continued practice of lab medicine in a manner that considers planetary health an equal priority to individual patient health. There is a new vision for medicine: quality care must include protection of the patient's climate, providing care in the here and now while enabling care in the future.

Keywords: Clinical value; Environmental sustainability; Laboratory testing; Planetary health; Pollution; Quality improvement.