Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of a U.S. Hospital-Based Radiology Practice
Academic Background
With the intensification of global climate change, the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the environment and human health is becoming increasingly significant. The healthcare sector, as a major consumer of global energy and resources, contributes substantially to carbon emissions. Statistics show that the healthcare sector accounts for 4.5% of global GHG emissions, and in the United States, this figure rises to 8.5%. Particularly with population growth and increasing healthcare demands, healthcare-related carbon emissions are expected to rise significantly in the next decade. Radiology, as a critical component of the healthcare sector, has not yet been thoroughly studied in terms of the environmental impact of its equipment and services. Therefore, assessing the full lifecycle environmental impact of radiology services, especially their GHG emissions, has become an important research topic.
Source of the Paper
This paper was co-authored by Cassandra L. Thiel, Marta Vigil-Garcia, Sachin Nande, and others, affiliated with Koninklijke Philips NV in the Netherlands and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the United States. The paper was published in November 2024 in the journal Radiology, titled Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of a U.S. Hospital-Based Radiology Practice.
Research Objective
The study aimed to quantify the GHG emissions of radiology services at a major academic medical center in the United States using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and to identify the primary sources of emissions, providing a basis for future sustainability improvements.
Research Methodology
The study employed a process-based LCA approach, following the guidelines of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14040:2006). The research focused on radiology equipment such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, covering the entire lifecycle stages of production, use, maintenance, and disposal. The study also considered the energy consumption and carbon emissions from single-use and semi-durable supplies, pharmaceuticals, and data storage.
Data Collection and Processing
Equipment Production and Maintenance: The study collected the Bill of Materials (BOM) and packaging information from the manufacturer (Philips), assuming a 10-year equipment lifespan. For non-Philips equipment, the study used Philips’ equivalent products as proxies for estimation.
Equipment Energy Consumption: The study continuously monitored the power usage of the equipment in April 2023, recording energy consumption data in different modes such as standby, idle, ready-to-scan, and scanning.
Other Equipment and Supplies: The study also collected energy consumption data for patient monitors, computers, printers, and other equipment, and estimated the procurement and use of single-use and semi-durable supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Data Storage and Workstations: The study assessed the energy consumption of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) workstations and data storage.
Research Findings
The results showed that over a 10-year period, the radiology department generated a total of 4.6 kilotons of CO2 equivalent (kt CO2e) in GHG emissions. MRI equipment contributed 48% of the emissions (2.2 kt CO2e), while CT equipment contributed 24% (1.1 kt CO2e). The use phase of the equipment (including all modalities) accounted for 54% of the department’s total emissions (2.5 kt CO2e). Other major emission sources included equipment production (11%, 0.49 kt CO2e), PACS workstation use (11%, 0.48 kt CO2e), and the production and laundering of linens (10%, 0.47 kt CO2e).
Sensitivity Analysis
The study also conducted a sensitivity analysis, assuming the use of low-carbon energy sources such as solar power. The results showed that total departmental emissions would decrease by 57% (2.6 kt CO2e). Additionally, extending the equipment lifespan could reduce emissions by approximately 6%.
Conclusion
The study identified that the energy consumption of radiology equipment is the primary source of GHG emissions, particularly MRI and CT equipment. Other significant emission sources include equipment production, PACS workstation use, and the production and laundering of linens. The study recommended reducing emissions by optimizing equipment usage modes, adopting renewable energy, and promoting circular manufacturing and replacement processes.
Research Highlights
Key Findings: MRI equipment is the largest source of GHG emissions in the radiology department, accounting for nearly half of the department’s total emissions.
Methodological Innovation: The study employed the LCA method to comprehensively quantify the environmental impact of radiology services, providing a scientific basis for sustainability improvements in the healthcare sector.
Application Value: The study’s results offer specific directions for energy-saving and emission reduction in radiology departments, such as optimizing equipment usage modes and adopting low-carbon energy sources.
Research Significance
This study not only quantified the GHG emissions of radiology departments but also provided important references for the sustainable development of the healthcare sector. By identifying the primary emission sources, the study offers a scientific basis for future energy-saving and emission reduction measures, helping to drive the healthcare sector toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction.
Other Valuable Information
The study also highlighted that the use of linens in ultrasound examinations accounted for a significant proportion of emissions, providing new insights for future sustainability improvements. Additionally, the study recommended further reducing emissions by minimizing unnecessary supply usage and extending equipment lifespan.
Summary
This study quantified the GHG emissions of radiology services using the LCA method and identified the primary emission sources. The results provide a scientific basis for sustainability improvements in the healthcare sector, offering significant academic and practical value.