Summary / Key takeaways
Clinical laboratories are essential to modern health care, supporting diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient management through the analysis of biological specimens. However, their critical role comes with significant environmental impacts. Laboratories are highly resource-intensive—using three to ten times more energy and up to four times more water than typical office spaces—while also generating large volumes of waste and relying heavily on single-use products. They contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, chemical pollution, and supply chain impacts, all of which intensify climate-related risks to health systems. As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather and infrastructure disruptions, the need for more sustainable and resilient laboratory operations is urgent.
The tools for change are already within reach. Opportunities include reducing low-value testing, improving energy efficiency, minimizing waste through better segregation and recycling, and adopting sustainable procurement practices. Implementing green chemistry principles, optimizing water use, and investing in energy-efficient equipment can deliver both environmental and operational benefits. Climate risk assessments further support resilience by identifying vulnerabilities and guiding adaptation strategies.
Achieving meaningful change requires a coordinated strategy. Strong leadership and governance, cross-departmental collaboration, staff engagement, and continuous quality improvement are key to embedding sustainability into laboratory culture. Together, these efforts can enhance patient care, reduce costs, and strengthen the resilience of health systems.
Playbook: Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Clinical Laboratories
Suggested Citation:
Henderson C, McKenzie A, Devitt K, Machane S. Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Clinical Laboratories. Version 1.0. [Internet]. CASCADES; 2025. [Cited DATE]. Available from https://cascadescanada.ca/.
