Reducing the environmental impact of medicines

At Bupa, we know that human health and the health of the planet are interlinked and interdependent. Our health can be affected by the environment in which we live and work, and the way in which modern healthcare is delivered can impact our environment and climate through emissions, pollution, resource consumption, and waste.

For us to continue to look after people's health, we also need to look after the health of the planet. Part of that involves focusing on how we can address the impact of healthcare on the environment. The five toolkits offer practical guidance on reducing the environmental impact of care in areas such as medicines, consultations, food, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Using Bupa's global expertise, influence and scale, the toolkits are designed to drive tangible action across the sector and deliver environmental benefits without compromising the quality or outcome.

Whilst the toolkits do not provide specific clinical guidance, they can be used by healthcare professionals and sustainability teams to support the transition to sustainable healthcare and reinforce the connection between people and planet health. As we move into 2024, we anticipate that new priorities and solutions will emerge which present even greater opportunities to accelerate progress on this agenda.