The study conducted by Andrea J. MacNeill, Robert Lillywhite, and Carl J. Brown provides an extensive analysis of the carbon footprint generated by operating theatres across three health systems in Canada, the USA, and the UK. The research quantifies the substantial greenhouse gas emissions from surgical suites and suggests strategies for reducing their environmental impact.

Key Findings:

• Carbon Footprints: The annual carbon footprints of the operating theatres were significant, measuring 5,187,936 kg CO2e at John Radcliffe Hospital (UK), 4,181,864 kg CO2e at University of Minnesota Medical Center (USA), and 3,218,907 kg CO2e at Vancouver General Hospital (Canada).
• Major Emission Sources: Anaesthetic gases and energy consumption, especially from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, were identified as the primary sources of emissions.
• Variable Intensity: The carbon intensity varied significantly between the institutions, largely influenced by the type of anaesthetic gases used and the energy sources for building heating and cooling.

Recommendations:

• Reduction of High-GWP Anaesthetic Gases: Avoiding gases like desflurane and opting for alternative anaesthetic techniques could significantly lower emissions.
• Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementing energy conservation measures, especially in HVAC systems, can effectively reduce the carbon footprint.
• Occupancy-Based Ventilation: Adjusting ventilation based on actual usage can lead to substantial energy savings without compromising safety or comfort.