Analyzing the Carbon Footprint of an Intravitreal Injection

Purpose: to estimate the carbon footprint of a single intravitreal injection in a hospitalbased intravitreal service. methods: greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the delivery of an intravitreal injection were calculated using a hybrid lifecycle analysis technique. data were collected regarding procurement of materials, patient travel, and building energy use. results: carbon emissions associated with a single intravitreal injection, excluding the anti-vegf agent, were 13.68 kg co2eq. this equates to 82,100 kg co2eq annually for our service. patient travel accounted for the majority of emissions at 77%, with procurement accounting 19% for and building energy usage for 4% of total emissions. the omission of items considered dispensable from injection packs would reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 0.56 kg per injection – an annual saving of 3,360 kg co2eq for our service. similar savings, if extrapolated to a country the size of the united kingdom, could yield annual carbon savings of 450,000 kg co2eq. for context, a single one-way economy transatlantic flight produces 480 kg co2eq per person. conclusion: wasteful practice in healthcare increases greenhouse gas production and drives climate change. the healthcare sector should be a leader in sustainable practice promotion and changes to high volume procedures have the largest impact on emissions. long-acting agents offer the greatest future potential for meaningful reductions.