- Solar photovoltaic power can reduce MRI and CT carbon emissions by 70% and 40%, respectively.
- Reusing supplies, extending equipment lifespan, and optimising imaging can enhance sustainability.
A recent study published on October 4 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology revealed that using solar energy in medical imaging could significantly cut carbon emissions. Specifically, emissions from MRI scanners could fall by 70%, while those from CT scanners could drop by 40%.
The research, led by Dr Diana Carver and her team at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, explored how renewable energy can reduce the environmental impact of diagnostic imaging. Since imaging is one of the most energy-intensive activities in healthcare, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is considerable.
The study found that the healthcare sector still relies heavily on fossil fuels. This dependence worsens climate change and increases extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, and wildfires. Therefore, the researchers aimed to measure the actual environmental footprint of medical imaging systems.
They performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) over one year to achieve this. This process measured energy consumption, resource use, and emissions from an 800-bed academic medical centre. Additionally, the team evaluated three MRI and four CT scanners, gathering data through direct observation, staff interviews, record reviews, and energy metering.
Afterwards, they analysed the collected data using SimaPro 9.3.0.2 software and the Ecoinvent v3.8 database. These tools helped them calculate each imaging modality’s complete environmental impact.
The findings were eye-opening. MRI scanners produced around 221 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per year, while CT scanners generated about 108 tonnes. In comparison, these emissions equal those produced annually by 52 cars for MRI and 25 vehicles for CT.
Furthermore, the study identified four primary sources of emissions: energy use, disposable medical supplies, equipment manufacturing, and linen use. Notably, energy consumption alone caused more than half of MRI emissions and one-third of CT emissions.
However, switching to solar photovoltaic electricity could drastically reduce these figures. Specifically, solar energy could lower MRI-related emissions by 70% and CT-related emissions by 40%. Moreover, solar power would reduce emissions linked to scanner production, disposable materials, and laundry operations.
In addition, the researchers proposed further measures to strengthen sustainability efforts. They recommended optimising scanner utilisation, adopting reusable or reprocessable supplies, and embracing circular manufacturing models that extend equipment lifespan. Together, these strategies could transform medical imaging into a more sustainable practice.
Finally, the study emphasised the importance of reducing unnecessary imaging. “Any approach that avoids unnecessary imaging is equally good for patients and the environment,” the authors concluded.
This study demonstrates that solar energy in medical imaging provides a practical and effective pathway towards sustainable healthcare. By adopting renewable energy, hospitals can reduce emissions, lower costs, and protect the environment while maintaining high-quality patient care.