ANMF members might be interested in the recent launch of the Lancet MedZero database to support delivery of more sustainable healthcare.
The Lancet MedZero is a global collaboration of clinicians, public health professionals, engineers, data scientists and economists working to support healthcare decarbonisation worldwide. Convened by The Lancet and designed for anyone working at the intersection of healthcare and sustainability, it brings together global expertise in healthcare delivery, carbon analytics and system transformation.
The tool is publicly available and provides emissions calculations for around 1,200 commonly used medical and pharmaceutical products as well as diagnostic services.
- One pair of non-sterile, latex-free gloves, for example, returns a total carbon footprint 39.72 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- A single 50ml syringe, meanwhile, has a total carbon footprint 348.46 grams of CO2
- And one millilitre of administered Desflurane generates 3,806.07 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The tool can be used to guide daily decisions associated with everyday items to ensure high-value care is delivered with the smallest carbon footprint.
Whether establishing the carbon cost of broad value assessments, seeking support for implementation of sustainability initiatives across health services or making procurement or supply-chain decisions, the tool can support a broad range of work applications.
Who is behind the Lancet MedZero?
Independent from industry funding and commercial interest, the Lancet MedZero is a collaboration between The Lancet and academic institutions across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. The Healthcare Carbon Lab at the University of Melbourne was instrumental in developing the tool from an Australian perspective.
The project builds on The Lancet’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, including through the Lancet Countdown, and the Lancet Commissions on climate change, planetary health, pollution, sustainable food systems, and sustainable healthcare.
In 2025, ANMF was chosen as the Lancet Countdown’s Australian Health and Climate Change partner.
