RIVM developed the method in 2022. It looks at the healthcare system’s impact on the climate and other environmental effects, such as consumption of water and raw materials and land use. Among other things, these effects have an impact on biodiversity and the availability of raw and other materials.

The new, improved method makes it possible to calculate the impact of the healthcare system on the environment more precisely. Policymakers can use this method to obtain greater insight into possibilities to reduce this impact. This will also contribute to public health.

What next?

The method now differentiates between different sectors, such as hospitals and long-term care. To be able to calculate the environmental footprint of different product groups and services as well, more information is necessary. This will require healthcare institutions to work together and share this information. It is also important for data to be recorded in a uniform manner. RIVM will discuss the most efficient way to do this with care providers and organisations that purchase products. The first results are expected to become available in 2026.

International interest

There is considerable interest in this method and approach. RIVM regularly receives questions, including from international working groups and organisations such as the OECD and the World Health Organization. This gives RIVM the opportunity to share the scientific knowledge on sustainability it has accumulated with a broad network.

RIVM improved the method on the instructions of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.