The carbon footprint of critical care: a systematic review
Authors' conclusion
There is a significant carbon footprint that results from intensive care provision.
Study context
- Population
- Adult, paediatric and neonatal critical care (intensive care units (ICUs))13 studies · 36 ICUs
- Outcome
- Carbon footprint of critical care provision
Methodological detailsPRISMA guideline followed, no language restrictions, Search of Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, January 2023, 2 full life cycle assessments (LCAs), 7 waste only, 2 audits of unused medical supplies, 1 electricity use, 1 Material Flow Analysis
- PRISMA guideline followed
- No language restrictions
- Search of Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, January 2023
- 2 full LCAs, 7 waste only, 2 audits of unused medical supplies, 1 electricity use, 1 Material Flow Analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Estimated carbon emissions from critical care
Estimated carbon emissions range (kg CO2e/patient/day)
88–178
Further pooled results
- Waste production range (kg/patient/day), 6 studies with calculable mean waste
- 1.1 to 13.7
Original publication
The carbon footprint of critical care: a systematic review. Intensive Care Med. Published 28 February 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →