Green labs are the pathology labs of the future

A key learning that we have to take from the on-going pandemic is of emergency preparedness. When the pandemic broke out, the nation and the healthcare industry were not ready to deal with a crisis of this magnitude, neither was the rest of the world. However, what started as a public health crisis promptly evolved into an economic, social, and environmental threat. With public health now being of utmost priority, along with close monitoring of economic and social impacts, the implications of Covid-19 on the environment remain largely undervalued. It also puts the spotlight on the environmental impact of the healthcare sector. The single-use, disposable plastics generated are particularly concerning with implications to natural ecosystems, public health, and safety. The WHO estimates that the costs of climate change’s direct damage to health will reach USD 2 billion to USD 4 billion per year by 2030.

If we are to look at clinical pathology laboratories, it is no surprise that these use 10 times more energy than offices, about fourfold more water, and generate billions of pounds of waste each year, nearly all of it considered hazardous. Through simple changes, lab staff can make reductions in energy, water, and hazardous chemicals consumption. These small interventions can lead to a secure and more sustainable green lab. Ameliorating the sector’s environmental effects and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions could not only improve health for everyone, but also ultimately reduce costs.

For this, pathology labs need to increase awareness amongst lab managers and other laboratory personnel about the concept of green labs in laboratory practices, and their role in protecting the environment and human health. Clinical laboratories need to develop environmental management systems. Green labs must choose to reduce their environmental footprint by participating in environmental initiatives. To initiate such a program, labs need to first identify environmental impact through self-assessment programs. The National Institute of Health (NIH), USA, has developed the Green Labs Program (GLP) to increase awareness and participation of laboratory personnel in sustainable laboratory practices, with the goal of protecting the environment and human health.

A recommended first step for laboratories is to set clear and achievable environmental targets. These may include a reduction in energy and water consumption; freezer management; and reduction in consumables, chemical, and medical pathological waste products through minimization, segregation, and the development of effective on-site medical waste treatment systems. Where possible, recycling guidelines should also be published and enforced. A focus on inventory management is recommended. A final, but potentially highly impactful step in the process is the engagement of partners and other stakeholders to adopt similar policies and commitments. A green purchasing policy for equipment, laboratory furniture, reagents, and management of packaging wastes may be introduced, for instance. Briefly, to move toward green labs we need to focus on supply chain, laboratory testing and processes, healthcare professional education, and management engagement on policy. Collaboration and the development of public-private partnerships with a shared action plan will give momentum to the process.

Environmental improvement should be based on standard set of environmental management systems, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001. Implementation of such initiatives would reduce the carbon footprint of pathology testing, lead to regulatory compliances, business efficiencies, and ultimately cost-saving.

It is no secret that the world is at a critical inflection point. We must confront and change the habits that have brought the planet’s delicate environmental balance to the brink. Our sector undoubtedly has a crucial role to play, and whilst we have made a start, there is much to do. Throughout history, innovation and discovery have been central to advances in medical care. It is now time to apply these talents to re-thinking how our industry operates, and where it can improve. The do nothing option is no longer available. It is time to act.