Healthcare systems face a dual imperative: addressing the immediate health effects of climate change and reducing their own environmental footprint. As the sector contributes approximately 4–5% of global carbon emissions, sustainable procurement emerges as a critical strategy to mitigate environmental and social harms. Rather than an auxiliary goal, sustainability should be central to procurement decisions, aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This approach does not undermine economic goals but enhances them, offering a resilient path forward for the sector. By addressing procurement processes holistically—from lifecycle costs to supplier engagement—healthcare organisations can become more environmentally responsible, economically sound and socially equitable.
The Hidden Costs of Unsustainable Procurement
A common barrier to adopting sustainable procurement practices is the perception of higher upfront costs. However, this overlooks the hidden expenses associated with less sustainable choices. Energy-inefficient products often result in long-term operational costs, while items with excessive packaging increase waste management burdens and costs. Furthermore, failing to meet growing regulatory requirements can expose healthcare organisations to legal risks and fines, especially as legislation like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Due Diligence Directive come into force.
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Sustainability also intersects with employee wellbeing and retention. A lack of environmentally conscious policies may reduce staff morale and make it more difficult to attract talent, especially in a competitive labour market. Supply chain vulnerabilities—such as reliance on distant or non-compliant sources—can lead to disruptions that compound financial and operational risk. Reputational damage is another factor; public trust in healthcare institutions is tightly linked to their perceived responsibility. When environmental or social standards are neglected, the fallout can be significant. In contrast, sustainable procurement fosters operational stability, regulatory compliance, and reputational strength.
Engaging Stakeholders to Drive Change
The success of sustainable procurement depends on stakeholder alignment. Gaining support from hospital management involves tailoring the sustainability case to their priorities—particularly the financial rationale. Demonstrating long-term savings, identifying regulatory risks, and highlighting alignment with existing sustainability targets can strengthen the argument. Clear roadmaps, financial data, and real-world examples from other organisations help translate abstract goals into actionable plans.
Similarly, clinical staff need assurance that sustainable products match existing performance and safety standards. Demonstrating equivalence in hygiene, usability, and reliability is essential to winning clinician trust. Pilot programmes and collaboration with internal champions can foster gradual acceptance and feedback. Communicating compliance with emerging regulations also reinforces the relevance of the initiative. As sustainable procurement becomes more visible within hospital operations, it can improve patient outcomes, raise institutional credibility, and contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder engagement must extend to suppliers. Transparent expectations and the inclusion of sustainability as an evaluation criterion can incentivise improvements across the supply chain. Public tenders should accommodate small and medium enterprises, recognising that sustainability can be demonstrated through commitment and practice even without formal certification. Continuous supplier collaboration, combined with staff training and feedback loops, helps drive innovation and accountability.
Tools for Measuring and Implementing Sustainability
Reliable measurement is key to integrating sustainability into procurement. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) provides a comprehensive method for evaluating environmental and social impacts from production to disposal. This method aligns with international standards and can be complemented by social LCA to address human and labour considerations. Additionally, spend-based emissions calculations offer a scalable way to assess environmental impact using financial data.
Selecting sustainability criteria in tenders requires careful consideration. Beyond price and basic functionality, award criteria can include product lifespan, repairability, recyclability, and packaging impact. Certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 26000, and the UN Global Compact offer independent verification of supplier practices. However, flexibility must be maintained to ensure inclusive access for smaller providers. For benchmarking and validation, platforms like EcoVadis and SEDEX can be useful, while tools such as the EU Taxonomy help classify economic activities aligned with climate goals.
Performance monitoring does not end with the purchase. Healthcare institutions should define key performance indicators (KPIs) that include sustainability dimensions, such as waste reduction, energy use, and supply chain integrity. These KPIs should be tailored, measurable, and not overly burdensome. Feedback mechanisms must be simple, time-efficient, and integrated into regular workflows. Procurement teams should also leverage data from public platforms like Tenders Electronic Daily to understand market trends and identify best practices. Ensuring that feedback and market research inform future tenders closes the loop and strengthens the institution’s procurement strategy over time.
The shift towards sustainable procurement in healthcare is both necessary and achievable. It requires moving beyond a narrow focus on price and compliance to embrace a broader, more integrated approach that accounts for lifecycle costs, social impact, and environmental performance. Stakeholder engagement—from executive leadership to clinical teams and suppliers—is fundamental. With the right measurement tools and commitment to continuous improvement, healthcare organisations can reduce emissions, improve patient care, and foster resilience. While complex, this transformation offers tangible benefits that align institutional success with planetary health. Starting now, even with small steps, is critical to ensuring a future where healthcare delivery supports both people and the environment.
Source: Mölnlycke
Image Credit: iStock
