Green ICU

In addition to the OR, the ICU is one of the hospital’s most resource intensive services. Talk to your physicians and nurses, and identify the supplies and equipment they use most frequently. Where can you make energy savings, by safely using equipment at its peak efficiency? Are you minimizing disposable supplies where possible, and preferring re-usable or renewable alternatives?

Steps:

Green ICU

  • In some cases where the whole hospital may not be ready for a comprehensive strategy, the ICU is a very good place to start.

  • Form a workgroup of interested nurses and physicians. They know where the waste is!

  • Have your facility manager isolate energy use and energy reduction strategies for your ICU(s).

  • Assess anesthesia order sets for these floors, including how nitrous oxide is delivered to the bed.

  • Track the supplies and materials used, to identify waste reduction opportunities. Ask suppliers for net zero products.

  • The ROI for this project comes from workforce engagement, energy savings, and supply savings.

Patient Earth E-Book guides you on the path to achieve measurable sustainability goals

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Patient Earth eBook