How can we improve the carbon footprint of IBD clinical care?

Abstract

The carbon footprint of the National Health Service (NHS) is estimated to be responsible for 5.9% of the total UK carbon footprint. The NHS has committed to reach carbon net zero by 2040, and therefore, all healthcare professionals have a role to play in identifying ways to help achieve this goal within their individual clinical areas. While specific research focusing on the carbon footprint of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care is limited, by combining principles of sustainable healthcare with work done in other healthcare areas, we can start to develop ideas to inspire our own sustainable IBD care. The aim of this review article is to examine each part of the IBD care pathway and consider where improvements in sustainability can be made or future research should be focused.