In medicine and more broadly in healthcare, the transition to digital processes and systems is often seen as a strategy for reducing carbon footprints. But what is the real impact in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
The adoption of digital systems in the medical field is reflected in particular in the implementation of electronic medical records, the use of telemedicine, and responsible data storage management. It is intended to replace the use of paper documents, a particularly energy-intensive practice.
Environmental impact of paper documents
Historically, the healthcare sector has been a major consumer of paper, which is used for medical records, test and medication prescriptions, and internal communications.
The paper industry is a significant source of CO2 emissions, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. For example, producing a printed A4 sheet generates 10.2 grams of CO2 equivalent, while reading a page on a mobile device requires only 0.7 grams, or 15 times less. The shift to digital therefore guarantees a significant reduction in carbon footprint by limiting the consumption of forest resources and reducing the volume of waste.
Ecological consequences of healthcare-related travel
Travel by patients and healthcare professionals also contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. A 2019 study by the NHS (United Kingdom National Health Service) indicates that healthcare-related travel accounts for approximately 3.5% of road journeys in the United Kingdom, generating 14 million tons of CO2 equivalent each year (see info box). Telemedicine, with the introduction of remote consultations, can drastically reduce this figure by avoiding unnecessary travel in the care pathway. This must always be done in the best interests of the patient, not just the planet.
Emissions from digital data storage
Digitization relies on the storage and processing of digital data, activities that have a significant environmental impact. Data centers consume a considerable amount of electricity and generate heat, requiring energy-intensive cooling systems. According to the results of a study conducted by the Senate's fact-finding mission, data centers accounted for 14% of France's digital carbon footprint in 2019, with emissions of 2.1 million tCO2eq. The European Union wants data centers to be carbon neutral by 2030. This is a real challenge given the considerable increase in digital usage. However, advances in cooling technologies and the growing use of renewable energies should help reduce the environmental impact of these infrastructures.
A transition that must be carefully prepared
Thus, digitization to decarbonize the healthcare sector is an achievable but complex goal, requiring a thoughtful and sequential approach that considers all practices and their respective environmental impacts. The transition to digital offers real opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provided that sustainable development practices are integrated into information technology management. Digitization is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can make the healthcare sector greener.
