Reducing CO2 emissions through online patient interviews

In response to growing environmental concerns in healthcare, this project evaluated the potential for carbon emission reduction by replacing in-person cardiothoracic consultations with secure video interviews at Golden Jubilee Hospital.

To reduce transportation-related CO₂ emissions by converting 50 scheduled in-person patient interviews to virtual consultations between January and April 2025, using travel distance data to quantify the environmental impact.

Fifty cardiothoracic patients participated in video consultations via the "Near Me" platform. Travel distances were estimated, and emissions calculated using the UK standard emission factor (211.2 g CO₂/mile). The total avoided travel distance was 3,014.4 miles.

The initiative prevented an estimated 636.7 kg of CO₂ emissions over the 3-month period.

To contextualize:

This equates to the annual CO₂ absorption of ~10 mature trees

Comparable to the emissions from driving a petrol car over 3,000 miles

Would occupy approximately 47 average-sized UK living rooms (13.5 m², 2.4 m height) if measured as a gas at room temperature

Patients reported high satisfaction with the convenience and accessibility of video interviews, with no compromise in interview quality or communication. No patients required rescheduling for in-person review due to technological failure during the consultation.

The intervention demonstrated clear environmental benefits and scalability, with potential to avoid 12.7 metric tons of CO₂ annually if extended to 1,000 patients. Barriers included digital access and limitations in remote clinical assessments.

This project illustrates how a relatively simple operational change—replacing in-person consultations with video interviews—can have a significant and quantifiable environmental impact. Embedding sustainable practices into routine healthcare can help meet NHS net-zero targets while maintaining, or even improving, patient satisfaction and efficiency.

Virtual care = greener care. .