GREEN & SUSTAINABLE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Radiology plays a vital role in serving humanity through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. However, it is also one of the most energy-intensive medical specialties. This high energy consumption contributes significantly to man-made global warming, making radiology more expensive and increasing maintenance costs.

1. GREEN & SUSTAINABLE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT - PROMOTING ONE HEALTH PRESENTED BY- DR AMAR SINGH MLB MEDICAL COLLEGE, JHANSI

2. INTRODUCTION Radiology plays a vital role in serving humanity through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. However, it is also one of the most energy-intensive medical specialties. This high energy consumption contributes significantly to man-made global warming, making radiology more expensive and increasing maintenance costs. Global warming, in turn, has far-reaching consequences for human, animal, and environmental health. It leads to a rise in health issues, the emergence of new diseases, water scarcity, pollution, poverty, and forced migration—factors that ultimately undermine human health. As a result, the fundamental purpose of radiology—to improve health and well-being—is at risk of being compromised.

3. SUSTAINABILITY - Economic and environmental sustainability means balancing economic growth with responsible resource use, reducing environmental harm, and ensuring long-term well-being for people and the planet without compromising future generations’ needs. ONE HEALTH- is an integrated approach recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health to achieve optimal global health outcomes

4. DISCUSSION Radiology departments are vital to modern healthcare but are also among the most energy-intensive units, consuming 5–7% of a hospital’s total energy. A fully functional department uses approximately 4–5 lakh kWh annually , costing ₹25–30 lakhs and emitting nearly 500 tonnes of CO₂—equivalent to the carbon absorption of 20,000 trees over 10 years. Additionally, the generation of plastic and e-waste contributes to environmental degradation and rising maintenance costs. As imaging demand continues to grow, integrating green technologies and sustainable practices is essential—not only to reduce environmental impact but also to ensure long-term operational efficiency and departmental resilience.

5. PREVENTIVE MEASURES Staff Training & Behaviour Change-Conduct regular training on sustainable practices, energy saving, and eco-friendly operations. Encourage powering down idle equipment (MRI, CT, X-ray) and minimizing printing. Promote 3R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—across daily operations. Incorporate green protocols into SOPs and link sustainability targets with staff evaluations. Energy Optimization - Perform routine energy audits to identify and manage high-consuming equipment. Use energy-efficient imaging systems with auto-standby features. Implement smart HVAC, LED lighting, and motion sensors. Track energy use through IoT-based monitoring for informed decision-making

6. Digital Transformation - Adopt PACS, RIS, and DICOM for filmless, paperless workflows. Integrate with Ayushmaan Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM) for secure digital imaging. Minimize film, chemical, and paper use to reduce waste and carbon footprint. Plastic and E-Waste Management - Segregate plastic and e-waste from imaging equipment and accessories. Collaborate with certified recyclers, supporting the circular economy. Replace single-use plastics with reusable or biodegradable options. Maintain an inventory of outdated devices for safe disposal as per regulations.

7. Green Building Design- Design departments with insulation, daylight use, and natural ventilation. Use low-emission materials, install rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and solar passive elements. Seek IGBC/GRIHA certification for sustainable healthcare infrastructure . Government and Policy Support - Align with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other green health policies. Leverage Ayushmaan Bharat funding for digital and sustainability upgrades. Advocate for green radiology guidelines in NABH/JCI accreditations. Promote hospital-level carbon footprint tracking and reporting .

8. Promote Solar Energy -Use the PM Surya Ghar Yojana to install rooftop solar panels in radiology units. Power non-critical areas like lighting and PACS servers with solar energy. Adopt hybrid solar systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Showcase successful models to encourage adoption across healthcare facilities.

9. Expected Results : Reduction in electricity consumption by up to 30% in optimized radiology suites. Reduced energy costs and maintenance expenditure , improving economic efficiency. Lower carbon emissions and waste , contributing to environmental protection. Enhanced human and ecosystem health, aligning with One Health principles . Minimized resource use through digital transformation (PACS, RIS, DICOM). Promoted circular economy and sustainability . Improved compliance with government policies (e.g., ABDM, PM Surya Ghar Yojana).

10. CONCLUSION Although carbon emissions from radiology departments are relatively small compared to large industries like manufacturing or automobiles, their environmental and economic impact cannot be ignored. As compassionate healthcare professionals, radiologists have a moral responsibility to support the principles of One Health, which link human, animal, and environmental well-being. By embracing sustainable practices—such as energy efficiency, digital transformation, and waste reduction—they contribute to both environmental and economic sustainability. Even small steps taken within the department can create a ripple effect toward greater global change . As Lao Tzu wisely said, “ A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step .”

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