Reducing the global footprint in an anesthesia department : a quality improvement project

Volatile anesthetic agents are potent greenhouse gases with high global warming potential (GWP), long atmospheric lifespans, and significant contributions to perioperative emissions. Despite scavenging systems, a significant portion of these agents are released into the environment, with Desflurane having the highest GWP among commonly used volatiles. At an institutional level, ASPIRE compliance standards recommend limiting emissions to 2.83 kg CO2 equivalents per hour - approximately 2L/min of 2% Sevoflurane - yet recent analysis at a 500 bed level 1 trauma center revealed that 65% of inhalation cases exceeded this threshold, averaging 27.13 kg CO2 equivalents per hour. Although anesthetic gas usage is monitored through EPIC in alignment with MPOG metrics, the absence of a targeted reduction strategy underscores the need for structured, sustainable practices. In addition to environmental harm, volatile agents generate significant financial burden and pose occupational health risks. Growing concerns have driven interest in alternatives such as Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA), though its cost-effectiveness remains procedure dependent. This quality improvement project highlights the environmental, economic, and health implications of volatile anesthetics and the critical need for data driven mitigation strategies.

Authors dc:creator

• Lalama, Eric
• Raab, Jennifer (Jennifer Marie)
• Rachwal, Jenna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lourens, Gayle

• Anesthetics--Environmental aspects
• Hospitals--Anesthesia services
• Carbon dioxide mitigation
• Greenhouse gas mitigation

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

dnp:81
oclc:1570815592
local:R_1iVfEDfNDDmUF1f

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:d.lib.msu.edu:dnp_81