Environmentally Sustainable Radiology (2026)-WEB0125-2026

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This RS&E webinar, led by Dr. Kate Hanneman (University of Toronto) and Dr. Sean Willen (UCSF), introduces environmentally sustainable radiology through the lens of planetary health. Hanneman explains how climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution drive worsening health outcomes, increase healthcare utilization (including imaging demand), and disrupt care delivery during extreme events (e.g., hurricanes). She highlights that healthcare contributes ~4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with radiology an outsized contributor due to energy-intensive equipment, waste generation, and supply chains. Using “scope emissions,” she distinguishes direct onsite emissions (Scope 1), electricity use (Scope 2), and supply-chain/waste impacts (Scope 3), noting Scope 3 is often the largest share. Department-level studies show MRI and CT dominate imaging emissions, with substantial energy wasted during idle and “ready” states. She also discusses environmental concerns from iodinated and gadolinium contrast entering waterways and introduces circular-economy thinking and climate response pathways: mitigation (reducing emissions) plus adaptation/resilience (preparing for impacts).<br /><br />Willen presents five practical departmental actions: power down equipment when unused, improve scanning efficiency, optimize HVAC for unoccupied rooms, reduce waste and switch to reusables (e.g., multi-dose contrast injectors), and upgrade/refurbish equipment instead of buying new. He emphasizes these steps can cut emissions while saving operational costs.

Keywords

environmentally sustainable radiology

planetary health

healthcare greenhouse gas emissions

scope 1 2 3 emissions

radiology carbon footprint

MRI and CT energy use

equipment power-down and idle energy

contrast media environmental impact

circular economy and departmental mitigation actions