Going Green in the OR: Sustainability for Surgeons

CME .75 hours

As the climate crisis accelerates, the environmental impact of healthcare-particularly within the operating room-has come under increasing scrutiny. The OR is one of the most resource-intensive areas of the hospital, responsible for significant energy consumption, material waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, sustainability efforts in surgery are being recognized not only for their environmental benefits but also for their potential to generate substantial financial savings through waste reduction, smarter purchasing, and process efficiency.

This symposium will open with a compelling overview of the importance of environmental sustainability in surgery, highlighting the alignment between planetary health, improved patient outcomes, and cost savings. Key areas within the OR-such as energy usage, anesthetic practices, and single-use product selection-will be explored, demonstrating how colorectal surgeons can implement meaningful changes that benefit both the environment and their institutions.

We will then turn our focus to the endoscopy suite, another high-volume area with a significant environmental footprint. Presenters will share practical strategies for reducing impact, including optimizing reprocessing workflows, minimizing single-use plastics, and engaging staff in the adoption of greener protocols. These approaches not only support environmental goals but also enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

From the industry perspective, we will explore how medical companies are responding to the dual demands of sustainability and value. Innovations in product design, packaging, and logistics aimed at reducing carbon emissions and material waste will be presented, along with examples of partnerships with healthcare systems to advance shared goals in sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Additionally, we will provide colorectal surgeons with a practical, solutions-focused framework for advancing sustainability in their practice, while improving care delivery and eliminating unnecessary costs.