EBEM-KAT

Ophthalmology is a highly technology-driven and material-intensive field of medicine. Therefore, it likely contributes substantially to the greenhouse gas emissions of the healthcare sector. However, there is a lack of reliable data for Germany, as suitable instruments for quantifying the CO2 footprint of individual surgical procedures or entire medical facilities have not yet been established.

In the EBEM-KAT project, the Wuppertal Institute and the Düsseldorf University Hospital systematically assess climate-relevant emissions in ophthalmology – with the aim of achieving a long-term reduction in emissions and establishing sustainable structures within day-to-day clinical routines. A central component of the project is the development of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool that enables a direct comparison of greenhouse gas emissions associated with functionally equivalent single-use and reusable surgical instruments. This tool will serve as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and subsequent project activities.

In addition, the project team develops a practice-oriented learning module with specific recommendations for clinical practice, designed to raise awareness for sustainability in healthcare among ophthalmologists and other medical staff. The module is developed in close collaboration between researchers and hospital staff and is designed for long-term integration into existing education structures, independent of the project’s duration, ensuring the long-term implementation of the project results in clinical settings.

In addition to environmental aspects, the project team also addresses the economic implications of instrument selection: The cost structures associated with single-use and reusable surgical instruments will be systematically analysed and presented transparently. Combined with the results of the climate impact assessment, these findings will provide a sound basis for decision-making for hospital management and administrative stakeholders. Furthermore, the researchers develop a practical guideline to strengthen the consideration of ecological criteria in procurement processes for surgical instruments and to provide hospital decision-makers with concrete tools for implementing sustainable procurement strategies.

By combining climate impact assessment, economic analysis, educational initiatives, and structural recommendations, the project adopts a transdisciplinary approach that integrates medical, environmental, and economic perspectives. The overall objective is to significantly reduce both the carbon footprint and waste generation in ophthalmic surgical departments and thereby initiate a sustainable transformation within the field of ophthalmology. Close collaboration with experts from clinical practice ensures that the solutions developed are realistic, applicable, and can be effectively integrated into day-to-day clinical routines, providing long-term benefits.