In recent years, the push for sustainability in the medical field has gained unprecedented momentum, with institutions worldwide recognizing their environmental impact. A striking example is Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which has made remarkable strides in reducing the carbon footprint associated with anesthesia practices. By embracing more sustainable anesthetic methods, the institution has reported a staggering reduction of over 80 percent in CO2 emissions derived from gases used during anesthesia since 2018. This groundbreaking shift not only reflects an increasing awareness of environmental issues within healthcare but also showcases the profound potential for change through education and management decisions.
The carbon impact of anesthetic gases is particularly concerning. While they are effective in providing necessary sedation during surgeries, these gases contribute significantly to global warming. Desflurane, a commonly used inhaled anesthetic, is a prime example, having been documented to be almost 8,000 times more effective than carbon dioxide in terms of its greenhouse gas impact over five years. Each kilogram of desflurane used can result in CO2 equivalent emissions comparable to driving a vehicle for nearly 7,850 kilometers, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives in clinical practices.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Charité undertook substantial reform in 2018, focusing on educating anesthesiologists about the environmental consequences of their choices. Dr. Susanne Koch, a pivotal figure in this initiative, emphasizes that most practitioners were not aware of the lasting climate effects caused by inhaled anesthetics. Consequently, Charité instituted regular educational programs and continuing professional education activities aimed at elevating awareness of sustainable practices among anesthesiologists.
The response from the anesthesiology departments at Charité was swift and decisive. New guidelines were established to prioritize climate-friendly alternatives, effectively rendering the use of desflurane obsolete as of late 2023. The hospital transitioned towards local anesthesia and intravenous anesthetics like propofol, which have been shown to have a significantly lower environmental impact. These methods not only minimize the carbon emissions associated with anesthesia but also facilitate better outcomes for patients. Studies indicate that propofol-treated patients often exhibit reduced nausea and a calmer awakening compared to those who undergo anesthesia with desflurane.
The financial implications of this shift are equally noteworthy. Charité’s reduced reliance on desflurane has led to significant cost savings, with expenditures for anesthetic agents declining by nearly 50 percent between 2015 and 2023. The annual reduction in carbon emissions from over 7,500 metric tons to just 1,454 metric tons demonstrates not only a commitment to sustainability but also reflects the institution’s strategic financial management. This represents a saving of approximately 6,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions a year—an amount comparable to the annual emissions of around 300 German households.
The real impact of Charité’s transformation stems from the management decisions that underpinned their sustainability initiatives. In research conducted by Dr. Koch and her team, they discovered that the most immediate and transformative changes arose from structural adjustments mandated by hospital leadership. Implementing centralized rules for anesthesiology practices ensured that every professional was aligned with the institution’s sustainability goals, pointing to the critical role of organizational governance in achieving long-term environmental aims.
The approach taken by Charité demonstrates the importance of education within the medical field, particularly as it intersects with environmental consciousness. By holding informational events and sharing knowledge internally and at conferences, Charité has fostered an ongoing dialogue about the implications of anesthetic gases. This exchange of information is proving invaluable in developing best practices that prioritize human health and environmental integrity concurrently.
Moreover, the hospital’s sustainability efforts extend beyond just anesthetic gases; Charité embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in its broader operational strategies. Initiatives such as replacing conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and adopting sustainable materials for staff uniforms indicate an extensive commitment to reducing its overall carbon footprint. These improvements have resulted in a decrease of CO2 emissions from 126,600 metric tons in 2016 to 104,320 metric tons in 2023, solidifying Charité’s role as a model for sustainability in healthcare.
However, the sustainability journey for healthcare institutions does not conclude with the elimination of harmful gases. Ongoing research and adaptation will be necessary to keep pace with the evolving landscape of medical practices and environmental standards. By continuously monitoring and refining their anesthetic protocols, Charité aims to advance sustainability further, ensuring that their practices set a precedent for others within the healthcare sector.
The outcomes at Charité inspire a wave of enthusiasm among medical professionals who recognize that sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily operations without compromising patient care. As evidenced by the positive feedback regarding patient experiences under the new anesthetic protocols, educators and practitioners alike can see that sustainable choices in medicine yield tangible benefits.
This progressive viewpoint aligns with the general shift in societal awareness surrounding climate change and emphasizes the necessity for healthcare providers to act as stewards of the environment. In embracing this paradigm shift, institutions can not only fulfill their ethical obligations to care for patients but also champion the health of the planet.
It is essential for medical institutions worldwide to take heed of Charité’s example, embracing education, management, and sustainable anesthetic practices to mitigate their environmental impact. With the healthcare sector being a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the responsibility lies with these entities to lead the charge toward sustainable solutions. Charité demonstrates that change is possible when a collective commitment underlines the values of innovation, education, and environmental stewardship.
As the quest for reducing carbon emissions faces ongoing challenges across numerous sectors, healthcare providers have the unique opportunity to adopt strategies that serve both immediate patient needs and longer-term sustainability objectives. By investing in education and embracing systemic changes, institutions can pave the way for future advancements in environmentally conscious medical practice, setting a global benchmark that transcends national boundaries.
This narrative of transformation at Charité resonates widely within the scientific community, inspiring other healthcare organizations to prioritize sustainability as a core value. The healthcare sector can illuminate a pathway toward reducing its carbon footprint and contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change, all while providing high-quality patient care and advancing medical science.
Subject of Research: Carbon emissions reduction in anesthesia practices
Article Title: The Power of Education to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Volatile Anesthetics in Clinical Practice
News Publication Date: (Not provided)
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References: Schwiethal A et al. The Power of Education to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Volatile Anesthetics in Clinical Practice. Anesth Analg. 2025 Feb 25. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007375
Image Credits: © Charité | Artur Krutsch
Keywords: Anesthesia, Carbon emissions, Sustainability, Environmental impact, Desflurane, Propofol, Healthcare, Education, Climate change, CO2 emissions, Anesthesiology, Charité.
