CME Insider's Blog Posts

When we hear about the mounting threat of Climate Change caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and Carbon Footprints many of us righteously point the finger at manufacturing and demand reform in the name of Sustainability. 

While finger pointing is always counterproductive, some vindication of the pointers may be in order. Let's pause a quick moment and consider how manufacturing may in fact affect the GHG attributed to other sectors and how taking the Climate Pledge can help improve climate resilience.

Take the healthcare sector for example, only 8.5%¹ of all GHG in the United States originates in this sector. 

But, of that 8.5%, 80% of healthcare attributed GHG are "indirect emissions from the production and transportation of goods and services procured by the health sector, such as those related to pharmaceuticals and other medical products and devices."¹

Why is that?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has become a conventional material in the healthcare industry.  From flexible tubing to device components, PVC has found its way into various applications. While some view the material as beneficial to the industry, it does not come without controversy. One major pain point rests with the fact there is no known safe way to produce or dispose of PVC products. Even worse, when PVC is broken down, hydrogen chloride gas and dioxin are released, both of which are hazardous chemicals.

Being aware of non-PVC options should be a priority for planners and purchasers as they design and gather equipment and supplies for projects. Building a sustainable and eco-friendly institution starts with setting a solid foundation, and companies are now offering PVC-free versions of popular products, including upholstery and furnishing elements.

Refrigeration units place significant strains on electric grids. In addition to their annual running costs, units often contain hazardous materials that require proper disposal and recycling as they are phased out of inventory.

Providing a foundation to build an eco-conscious facility starts with the installation and use of environmentally safe products. Refrigeration units are no exception. The government monitors and rewards organizations who meet or exceed standards, reinforcing the importance of having discussions on the sustainability and eco-friendliness of initiatives during all parts of the planning and implementation process.  

As manufacturers continue to enhance and develop models, upgrading or installing eco-friendly refrigeration units makes both business and environmental sense.