Advancing green laboratory practices: A review of sustainability in healthcare

Abstract

As awareness of the environmental impact of healthcare facilities, including laboratories, grows, there is a pressing need to adopt sustainable practices within laboratory medicine. Sustainability is therefore a key goal in the quickly evolving healthcare landscape. This review explores forward steps in green medical laboratory practices and offers perspectives on sustainability in healthcare, specifically within the context of laboratory medicine. The review assesses the environmental footprint of laboratory operations, considering factors such as energy consumption, resource utilization, chemical usage, and waste generation. Technological advancements and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability are also discussed as essential components of the transition toward greener medical laboratory practices. This review underscores the importance of integrating sustainability principles into laboratory medicine to mitigate environmental impact while ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services for present and future generations.