Radiologists can do much to lessen the specialty's substantial environmental impact

Great key tips in this paper for reducing the energy used in imaging by Dr Gross:

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» Optimize scheduling to minimize the amount of time machines are idle.

» Prioritize energy efficiency when purchasing equipment.

» Use lower energy modalities such as US whenever possible.

» Power down equipment when it is not in use: Computers and workstations should be set to enter idle or standby mode after short periods of inactivity and should be shut down during off hours, he said.

In addition, Dr. Gross recommends that interventional radiologists use the following strategies:

» Work with facilities managers and engineers to allow temperature and humidity to drift in a wider range during hours when the IR suite is not in use.

» Streamline procedure packs to include only supplies that are most likely to be used.

» Advocate for use of equipment designed to be sterilized and reused, rather than items meant to be used only once and then thrown away.

“Ask your vendors if they have data on their environmental impact and how you can partner together to work toward environmental sustainability,”

Dr. Schoen said. “Let’s envision the world where we come together at the 11th hour and stop designing products and services that hurt our patients, communities and families, and act on climate change.”