Sustainability in healthcare: How Philips is taking the lead with technology and best practices
- Angela Novelli
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Sustainability practices and green technology are becoming increasingly important and sought after in many different industries across the globe. As factors like climate change and pollution continue to be a concern for many, we look to highlight some excellent examples of big companies that have chosen to push forward in terms of sustainability.Â
The healthcare industry alone is responsible for about 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, which emphasizes the importance of sustainability in healthcare. This is why we are seeing changes in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and more, as professionals begin to take action with the power of tech. Not only are these changes great for our planet, but they will significantly improve healthcare quality for millions of patients as well as cut down costs for hospitals.
The company that we will be focusing on in this article is Philips, a leading innovator in healthcare technology. They have made significant progress in incorporating sustainable practices and green technology in order to reduce their carbon footprint. These efforts are leading to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and the promotion of health equity.
Philips’ strategies for sustainable healthcare
There is much to be done in the industry to mitigate healthcare sustainability issues, and Philips has listed several key strategies that companies can use to lessen their carbon footprint:
1. Promote greater energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources
Hospitals are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, producing 2.5 times more than commercial buildings. Making a shift towards renewable energy and focusing on energy efficiency have the potential to make a huge difference. This can be as simple as turning on the power-saving mode on Philips’ MR systems when they are not in use.
2. Increase circularity and minimize waste
Globally, healthcare significantly depletes natural resources, consuming 10% of all raw materials extracted annually. Implementing circularity principles in healthcare helps to emphasize the notion of doing more with less – adopting innovative solutions that help conserve resources. For example, Philips has developed a fully sealed magnet called BlueSeal which requires significantly less liquid helium to cool compared to traditional magnet technology used in MR services. This technology has helped save more than 2.75 million liters of helium since 2018.
3. Leverage digital technology to foster more equitable and sustainable care
Digital technology and AIÂ present new approaches to patient engagement, facilitating access to necessary care precisely when required. Simultaneously, these innovations contribute to a decrease in both environmental impact and healthcare expenses, which improves overall sustainability. By connecting with patients virtually, the hospital can save on resources and the patient does not need to worry about travelling which saves on carbon dioxide emissions.
Artificial Intelligence has great potential in improving the healthcare industry and making systems more efficient for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Our team at Sedna has many years of expertise in improving health systems, and we are now offering our innovative solutions from the realm of AI. Visit our AI Advisory page to learn more.
How Philips is contributing to a more sustainable future for healthcare
Philips offers EcoDesign products engineered for enhanced energy efficiency, reduced hazardous material usage, optimized material utilization, and improved packaging throughout the product lifecycle. In 2024, the company successfully launched 100% EcoDesigned new product introductions (NPIs), which are responsible for great systemic changes that improve safety and efficiency while also bringing down costs.Â
Philips has made considerable progress in lowering its carbon footprint through the adoption of low-carbon energy sources and more efficient planning. The company's commitment to supplier sustainability is evident in the fact that 48% of its 2024 procurement came from suppliers committed to science-based climate goals, an increase from 46%Â in the previous year, indicating a continued upward trend.
These are just a few of the ways in which Philips is contributing to a more sustainable future in the healthcare industry.
Companies in healthcare are discovering innovative ways to improve their care and operations each day. Philips is a great example of one that is utilizing advanced technology to not only reduce costs, but to improve health outcomes for millions, and even billions, of individuals. The power of tech is one that cannot be ignored or underestimated, as industries continue to shift and new discoveries emerge.Â
Sustainability in our technological solutions is a big focus for our team at Sedna Consulting Group as we work to bring our clients the best possible services. Visit our LinkedIn to keep up with the latest insights.
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