How Can Healthcare Businesses Become Greener In The Modern Age?

When operating in the healthcare sector, taking care of the patient will always be job number one. Nonetheless, protecting the environment is something that all business owners in this sector should focus on too. For starters, we all have a responsibility to protect the planet while the sector is responsible for 5% of all carbon emissions. With the right strategies in place, though, you can significantly reduce your footprint.

In addition to satisfying a personal desire to “go green”, your commitment will not go unnoticed by patients or employees. So, it can form a crucial step on the road towards cultivating a better workplace and achieving sustainable profits. Here are some of the best ways to show greater responsibility and work towards a carbon-neutral outcome.

Focus On Environmentally-Friendly Buildings

Commercial buildings should be the first focal point for any business that wants to go green. Incorporating greener materials should be a priority when designing new commercial buildings. This may include using recycled or natural building materials. Likewise, introducing water harvesting systems or adding solar roof panels can be a great way to reduce the carbon footprint. Architectural designs should also take lighting and insulation into consideration. This will unlock the best results.

Even if the workplace building already exists, it is possible to make big improvements. Efficient lighting systems and the use of Smart tech in all parts of the property will work wonders. It is also possible to extend the commitment to greener practices by adding electrical vehicle charging points. Whether it’s a small dental practice or a large hospital with several buildings doesn’t matter. It is a task that companies across all sectors of the healthcare industry can look to pursue.

Embrace Renewable Energy

The use of sustainable building materials and a focus on efficient climate control creates a strong foundation. However, medical facilities that wish to go the extra mile will also turn their attention to renewable energy sources. The aforementioned solar panels are a great starting point. Renewable energy sources also extend to hydro, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy. Introducing each of them in appropriate situations will take green initiatives to the next level. For example, hydro energy can be used for backup power generators.

As well as actively using renewable energy, healthcare firms may want to support initiatives. Charities like the Renewable Energy Foundation actively work on finding new solutions. Backing those organisations allows healthcare firms to see indirect benefits while it can also be promoted as a part of the brand image. If nothing else, the shift to renewable energy will improve the company’s collective mindset. It will also reduce energy prices, which supports healthcare companies of all sizes. 

Invest In Greener Products & Packaging

Healthcare businesses are predominantly focused on providing a service. Still, some products and equipment are needed for counselling, physio, or surgical procedures. The harsh reality is that many of the items are single-use items. However, opting for sustainable materials and avoiding dangerous plastics like PVC will aid the cause. Similarly, recyclable hygiene rolls for hospital beds and similar settings are advised. Now more than ever, the right choice of disposable face masks matters too.

Medication is the type of product that patients are most likely to take home. Sustainable medicine manufacturing subsequently has a huge influence on overall carbon footprints. Likewise, greener pharmacy blister pack supplies that feature recyclable materials are highly advised. After all, many patients will need repeat prescriptions. In this case, greener practices will have a positive impact during each cycle. Where the expiration dates allow for it, allowing patients to have a larger volume can be useful. 

Go Paperless Where Possible 

Embracing paperless tech is undoubtedly one of the best ways for modern businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. When working in the healthcare sector, it’s impossible to avoid all physical products and printed materials. The aforementioned medications and packaging are a good example. Still, integrating paperless tech and communication in the right settings will make a big difference. Patient interactions are one of the best places to embrace this idea.

Opting for SMS appointment reminders won’t only reduce printing and mailing needs. It’ll also actively translate to increased patient punctuality. Using an app to manage documents and secure patient signatures is a convenient and eco-friendly solution. On a similar note, emailing the transcript of a live chat interaction or telephone call is a better option than printing it. As far as internal communication is concerned, online rota planning is the best upgrade to consider. 

Opt For Local, Environmentally-Friendly Resources

Reduced paper usage and smarter equipment choices do have a positive impact on carbon footprints in healthcare. However, they aren’t the only aspects that deserve some attention. Healthcare facilities will use a wide range of products during daily business operations. Many of them do not directly impact treatments. Choosing local or sustainable furniture and interior design items for reception areas is a great starting point. Similarly, plants in suitable locations have a positive influence.

It is equally important to think carefully about food supplies. Locally sourced goods will reduce carbon emissions as a result of reduced travel. Meanwhile, opting for recyclable disposable cups can work wonders. Water filter taps can also reduce the need to purchase as much bottled water, again saving on transit emissions and plastic usage. Similarly, wooden cutlery and paper straws are far better options than plastic. Crucially, recycling bins must be conveniently located. Chemical-free cleaners are another great solution.

Embrace Telehealth

When thinking about ways to create an eco-friendly healthcare setting, it’s important to look beyond the walls of your building. Indirect benefits can be unlocked by reducing the patient’s carbon footprint. The rising popularity and adoption rates of telehealth services have opened the door to better healthcare. It reduces the need for patients to make as many visits to the healthcare facility, which sees their emissions fall by removing travel. It can also see in-facility materials last longer.

Telehealth has become very popular with patients as well as businesses in the field. Even items like energy usage can see a positive impact while companies in the field can often work from smaller locations. Time savings allow for more people to be seen, which means the resources used will also feed into the process of protecting the planet. As well as providing appointments through digital channels, e-learning can transform staff training. It’s green, convenient, and more engaging for employees.

Keep Equipment In Good Health

Healthcare companies do manage a lot of disposable and single-use items due to hygiene requirements. However, a lot of machinery and equipment is also used. From GPs to physios or dentists, experts rely on those products daily. While those tools will encounter some wear and tear, staying on top of the maintenance will support healthcare teams. It prevents costly unscheduled downtime and can extend the life of the equipment in question.

Therefore, one of the smartest things a team can do is hire an expert who can troubleshoot and repair equipment. Whether it’s ultrasounds, ventilators, dental X-ray machines, or any other items doesn’t matter. It is also worth using computer software to track the performance of each machine. As soon as performance levels begin to fall, the faults must be fixed. It promotes a better level of patient care while also supporting operational efficiency. Repairing parts rather than disposing of large equipment.

Sustainable Marketing

It may feel a little difficult to think of patients as customers. Nevertheless, healthcare companies rely on a steady flow of patients to turn a profit. This is especially true for private businesses, which is why effective outreach strategies are vital. Naturally, then, it is another area where organisations can lower their carbon emissions with big results. Firstly, a focus on digital marketing will instantly enhance green initiatives. Even with local efforts, a focus on billboards or radio is better than leaflets.

In addition to using fewer raw materials, healthcare marketing should target efficiency. A strong local SEO strategy should be at the top of the agenda as most people search for the type of services they need rather than respond to a random ad. Meanwhile, clear email marketing streams that push leads down the sales funnel can work wonders. It is very useful for cosmetic dentistry or non-emergency services that patients have thought about for some time. But it works well across the sector.

Encourage Company-Wide Endeavours

Finally, when hoping to build greener habits, healthcare firms must opt for company-wide efforts. Otherwise, the success in some areas will be undone by problems elsewhere. Staff training and regular notifications to highlight the need for more mindful actions are vital. For the best results, though, companies can make it fun and rewarding. A cycle-to-work scheme, for example, builds team unity and injects healthy competition. Not least if prizes are introduced.

When the whole team is involved in the process of going green, it becomes a part of the brand identity. It is something patients and suppliers will notice. Moreover, it encourages employees to look for further improvements throughout the business. Company owners and managers can welcome those ideas through suggestion boxes and other feedback loops. For the best results, it should be used in conjunction with some of the steps mentioned above. In turn, healthcare firms across the sector will move towards a carbon-neutral future.