A path to greener healthcare

Sustainable Physiotherapy

​The carbon footprint of the healthcare sector is equivalent to 4.4% of global emissions, which is reportedly more than the aviation industry.

The use of plastics, waste, toxins, anaesthetic inhalation agents and gases, and the use of energy and natural resources for equipment, technology, some patient and staff travel can all contribute to carbon footprints.

The physiotherapy profession – with its emphasis on the promotion of active lifestyles, community services, minimal equipment use, health promotion and patient centred care – already has a relatively lower carbon footprint in comparison to other clinical fields. 

However, as allied health professions are the third largest clinical workforce within the NHS and considering there are around 70,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK, there is a huge potential to adopt and grow further sustainable practices that will reduce the carbon footprint of physiotherapy in the UK. 

We are asking every member to consider how to make a difference...

First, here are some ways in which physiotherapists could consider sustainability within practice.

• Advocate for policy changes that support community rehabilitation and care delivered closer to home.
• Promote active transportation, by choosing and advising others to walk, cycle or use public transport when feasible.
• Reduce single-use products by recycling walking aids and other equipment where possible.
• Read, conduct and publish research on sustainability in physiotherapy, to advance knowledge and practices in the field.
• Emphasise preventative care and self-management strategies such as personalised exercise programmes, to reduce frequent in-person visits of global emissions, which is reportedly more than the aviation industry.  
• Implement digital first.

References

Climate crisis: healthcare is a major contributor, global report finds | The BMJ  What share of global CO2 emissions come from aviation? – Our World in Data Registrant snapshot – 10 May 2024 |  HCPC.