Eco-prescription: Reducing Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint in France
The healthcare system, as it currently operates, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. According to analysis by The Shift Project, healthcare accounts for 8% of France’s total greenhouse gas emissions, totaling 49 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. A substantial portion of this impact – 29% – stems from the procurement of pharmaceuticals, while medical devices across all care settings contribute 21%.
Addressing Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint
Efforts are underway to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. The Shift Project report suggests reducing greenhouse gas emissions from pharmaceuticals by 7.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and from medical devices by 5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by the year 2050. Prioritizing the analysis of the full lifecycle of medications is seen as a key strategy for achieving these reductions, informing more sustainable prescribing choices.
In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the regional health authority (ARS) has designated appropriate prescribing of healthcare products as a priority within its 2024-2028 Ecological Transformation of the Health System (TESS) roadmap. This builds upon existing collaborative efforts involving the ARS, the Health Insurance Fund and OMEDIT, focused on the relevance of prescriptions and the use of medical devices.
Regional Initiatives and Collaboration
Regional actions are being implemented to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, promote eco-responsible prescribing practices, and facilitate the sharing of innovative approaches. A working group, led by OMEDIT and established in April 2025, brings together institutions – including the ARS, Health Insurance Fund, OMEDIT, and Structure d’appui Agir Durablement en santé – alongside representatives from professional organizations and healthcare providers.
This group has established four sub-groups focusing on eco-prescription, post-operative wound care (bandages & antiseptics), the lifecycle of pharmaceuticals and medical devices within healthcare facilities (waste management), and the operating room (gases and kits). Approximately ten professionals are actively involved in each sub-group.
Tools and resources are currently available, or are expected to be released by the first half of 2026, covering topics such as appropriate bandage use after surgery, video resources promoting non-pharmacological therapies as alternatives to medication, and eco-responsible practices in dental offices.
For More Information
The annual regional events hosted by OMEDIT since 2023 also include a segment dedicated to this topic, sharing regional progress. Further details on these initiatives and available resources can be found on the OMEDIT website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of France’s greenhouse gas emissions is attributable to the healthcare system?
According to The Shift Project, the healthcare system accounts for 8% of France’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the two main contributors to healthcare’s carbon footprint?
The purchase of pharmaceuticals contributes 29%, and the purchase of medical devices contributes 21% to the healthcare sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the timeframe for proposed emissions reductions?
The Shift Project report suggests reducing emissions from pharmaceuticals by 7.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and from medical devices by 5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by the year 2050.
As these initiatives progress, It’s likely that further tools and strategies will be developed to support healthcare professionals in adopting more sustainable practices. It is also possible that these regional efforts could serve as a model for broader national or international implementation. The continued collaboration between institutions and healthcare providers will likely be crucial in achieving meaningful reductions in the healthcare sector’s environmental impact.