Tuttlingen – What can a hospital do to protect the climate and resources? In his keynote speech at the 14th Innovation Forum Medical Technology, Frank Dzukowski, head of the Sustainability and Climate Management department at the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), sheds light on strategic and operational factors - and the role that manufacturers of medical devices play in this.
As the former managing director of the technical service companies, Frank Dzukowski is very familiar with the conditions in Hamburg-Eppendorf. "A university hospital is incredibly energy-intensive," he says. With around 14,000 employees and more than 400,000 patients per year, not only heating, lighting or ventilation are reflected in the UKE. The operation of the computer center and large medical devices, especially in radiology, also leave clear traces. As varied as the causes are, there are just as many adjustments that could be made to increase efficiency. However, since hygiene, safety and the success of therapy are undoubtedly the top priority, it is necessary to carefully weigh up what is desirable and what is feasible.
The balance sheet of the Executive Board department in the first two years of its existence shows that resource and climate protection is also possible under these conditions. A big step at the UKE was already at the end of 2013 when a combined heat and power plant with combined heat, power and cold was put into operation, the waste heat of which is used primarily to generate steam and, via an absorption chiller, to supply cold. At very low outside temperatures, it also supports the heat supply. With an efficiency of around 90 percent, "the external power supply could be reduced by a third," says Frank Dzukowski. What still has to be fed into the grid has been certified green electricity since September 2021.
So far, the hospital can set the course itself. In other areas there is a need for cooperation and communication – also and especially with medical technology. Frank Dzukowski has concrete examples at hand. In order to be able to calculate their own greenhouse gas balance better, the wish for the manufacturers is "to tell us the CO2 footprint of the devices". He is also concerned with logistics and packaging, which ideally includes delivery in reusable transport systems and the use of bioplastics. Measures that could also ensure more waste avoidance and recycling in the operating room. This is still a "thick board". Comprehensive collection systems are currently only conceivable in individual cases and are still a long way from a global circular economy. But the appeal of the head of the department is clear: "It would be helpful if such processes were already being considered by the manufacturers."
Accordingly, Frank Dzukowski seeks dialogue with industry, as at the Innovation Forum Medical Technology. To collect new ideas, identify possible projects and pilot projects. In return, companies are invited to approach the university hospital with their ideas and innovative products at the event. Many small steps are often necessary to reach the big goal of less consumption and more efficiency. It is therefore important to tackle the issues in hospitals and industry together - "in order to walk the path to sustainability together," says Frank Dzukowski.
All further information on the 14th Innovation Forum Medical Technology can be found under this link.
