What is the carbon footprint of primary care practices? A retrospective life-cycle analysis in Switzerland.

Background: The medical field causes significant environmental impact. Reduction of the primary care practice carbon footprint could contribute to decreasing global carbon emissions. This study aims to quantify the average carbon footprint of a primary care consultation, describe differences between primary care practices (best, worst and average performing) in western Switzerland and identify opportunities for mitigation.

[Eco-design recommendations for family practices].

The disastrous consequences of global warming call for action at every level. Primary care practices have the potential to reduce their carbon footprint by a factor of ten without changing their medical habits. The main options for carbon emissions mitigation are in the areas of heating and transport.