Going green for your medical practice isn't just about installing solar panels or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances – it is about everyday behaviours that create lasting change and enjoyment. Small shifts in how your practice operates can lead to significant savings, a reduced environmental footprint, and a more sustainable future for your business.
Make the switch to LED lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades a practice can make. By switching to LED bulbs, you’ll not only cut energy consumption by up to 80%, but you’ll also reduce the hassle of frequently replacing bulbs—LEDs last significantly longer than traditional lighting. If your practice still has halogen or fluorescent bulbs, consider replacing them in high-use areas first, such as reception, hallways, and treatment rooms.
Optimise heating and cooling
Heating and cooling often account for the biggest portion of a clinic’s energy bill, yet it’s an area that many businesses overlook. Small changes—like ensuring your climate control system is regularly maintained, sealing gaps in windows and doors, and installing a programmable thermostat—can make a big difference. Set your thermostat to 18–20°C in summer and 24–26°C in winter, and avoid constant adjustments, as this forces your system to work harder. If possible, use ceiling fans, in areas not under infection control, to help distribute air more efficiently and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Create a culture of sustainability
Your team and clients play a key role in making your practice more eco-friendly. Encourage staff to be mindful of their energy use—turning off unused lights and equipment, reducing printing, and embracing digital workflows. Even small actions, like recycling ink cartridges, using refillable dispensers, or providing reusable coffee cups in the staffroom, contribute to a greener workplace. You can also engage your clients by offering paperless invoices and appointment reminders, showcasing your sustainability efforts in the waiting area, or choosing a green energy supplier.
To make sustainability a long-term success in your practice, we recommend appointing a key advocate within your business to drive sustainability efforts and encourage accountability. Having a dedicated team member championing eco-friendly initiatives ensures that changes are consistently implemented, monitored, and refined over time. This advocate can help identify areas for improvement, track progress, and keep the team motivated.
Be strategic with energy use
If your practice has solar panels, timing matters. Use high-energy equipment (such as sterilisation machines and autoclaves) during daylight hours when solar energy production is at its peak. Smart timers or energy monitoring systems can help you automate this process, ensuring you get the most out of your renewable energy without having to think about it. If you don’t have solar, you can still save money by avoiding peak-hour electricity rates and ensuring non-essential equipment is turned off when not in use.
Rethink transport options to your practice
Transport is often an overlooked contributor to a business’s carbon footprint. If your team drives to work, consider incentivising carpooling, public transport, cycling, or even the use of electric vehicles. You could introduce EV charging stations at your practice, offer subsidies for public transport, or simply encourage walking for short trips. If your practice requires staff to travel between locations, explore green vehicle leasing options to reduce fuel consumption.
Choose sustainable and trusted suppliers
Sustainability isn’t just about what happens inside your practice—it’s also about the choices you make when sourcing products and services. Look at where your materials come from and how they are packaged. Are your dental products, medical gloves, or veterinary supplies biodegradable or recyclable? Could you switch to locally sourced, eco-friendly alternatives? Many suppliers now offer greener options, from compostable packaging to ethical sourcing, so it’s worth asking questions and making informed decisions.
By embedding these behaviours into your daily operations, you’re not just reducing your practice’s carbon footprint—you’re future-proofing your business, lowering costs, and creating a healthier environment for your staff, clients, and the broader community. It’s about progress, not perfection, so start with small changes and build on them over time.
