Region Norrbotten is undertaking a significant shift towards a more circular economy, a move officials say is crucial for reducing its environmental impact, controlling costs, and bolstering the resilience of its healthcare system. The initiative, built around the principles of sustainability and guided by the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, aims to embed environmentally and socially responsible practices into every level of the regional organization. “Change takes time, but we can spot that the sustainability work has developed in several areas over the past year,” says Monica Kutics Normark, a sustainability strategist for the region.
The effort comes as healthcare systems globally are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental footprint. Hospitals and clinics are resource-intensive operations, generating substantial waste and consuming significant energy. Region Norrbotten’s approach focuses on minimizing waste, optimizing resource use, and preparing for potential disruptions to supply chains – lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This isn’t simply about environmentalism, officials emphasize; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability and stability of healthcare delivery for the region’s residents.
Building a Sustainable Framework
The newly formed Sustainability Unit, established in 2024, is central to this transformation. Prior to its creation, sustainability efforts were fragmented across various departments and levels within the region. Joanna Hansson, a strategist focused on both sustainability and public health, explains that the unit’s mandate is to create a cohesive, systematic approach. “It’s been interesting to be involved in shaping the work and forging new paths,” Hansson says. “But it’s also been challenging – there were no existing structures or systematic methods to build upon.”
The unit’s strategy centers on integrating sustainability considerations into the entire lifecycle of products and services used throughout the region’s operations. This encompasses everything from procurement and usage to disposal and recycling. The work is structured around two key levels: a broad, structural level focused on governance and decision-making, and an individual level emphasizing responsible resource use by staff. Region Norrbotten’s sustainability goals are directly aligned with six specific targets identified by the regional council as particularly crucial, and are guided by the overall plan of the regional government.
Focus on Reducing Waste and Costs
One immediate area of focus is reducing the consumption of disposable items, particularly in healthcare settings. Analysis has revealed significant overuse of single-use gloves, a practice that carries both environmental and economic consequences. “This leads to hygiene risks, unnecessary work steps, and an unnecessary environmental impact,” explains Kutics Normark. “Better adherence to existing routines and trust in those routines leads to better patient safety, reduced carbon emissions, and reduced expenses.”
The region spends approximately 15 million Swedish krona (roughly $1.4 million USD as of May 10, 2024) annually on disposable gloves. A 10% reduction in usage, officials estimate, would yield savings of 1.5 million krona ($140,000 USD). Beyond gloves, the unit is also examining the use of waste containers and procurement practices, encouraging the substitution of plastic items with alternatives like paper, glass, or porcelain where feasible.
Strengthening Healthcare Resilience
The push for sustainability isn’t solely about environmental benefits; it’s also about strengthening the healthcare system’s ability to withstand crises. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, highlighting the risks of relying on distant manufacturers for essential supplies. By increasing the use of reusable items and reducing dependence on disposable products, Region Norrbotten aims to build a more robust and self-sufficient healthcare infrastructure.
Collaboration with the region’s Hygiene and Patient Safety departments is crucial to this effort. “For us, it’s essential that the work is done in dialogue with the departments,” Hansson emphasizes. “Patient safety and the work environment always come first.” The Sustainability Unit is working closely with healthcare professionals to identify practical solutions that don’t compromise patient care or staff safety.
Education and Engagement
To accelerate the transition, Region Norrbotten is launching a series of initiatives, including a new e-learning module titled “Smarter Resource Use in Healthcare.” The module, slated for release this fall, will be available to all staff at healthcare centers, hospitals, and dental clinics. Complementing the e-learning program will be materials for use during departmental meetings (APT), providing guidance and best practices for sustainable resource management. A trailer for a new film featuring actor Charlotte Lindmark, designed to raise awareness about sustainability, will be shown on May 5th during “Handens dag” (Hand Day) at Sunderby Hospital.
Region Norrbotten recognizes that healthcare is a significant contributor to environmental impact, due to its reliance on disinfection, cleaning, and disposable materials. “We are a large part of the problem, but we can also be an important part of the solution,” Hansson concludes.
The next step in this ongoing process is the full launch of the e-learning module and APT materials this fall, along with continued monitoring of resource consumption and waste generation. Region Norrbotten will also continue to collaborate with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to identify and implement innovative sustainability solutions.
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