Sustainable Dermatologic Care: Reducing the Carbon Footprint of a Typical Clinic Day

Conclusions

• Most dermatology clinics can substantially reduce their carbon footprint by targeting high-yield sources such as patient travel, purchased energy, pharmaceuticals, and supply-chain waste rather than focusing only on direct emissions.
• Teledermatology and other visit-reducing workflows appear to lower emissions while also maintaining or improving access and convenience for patients.
• Simple operational changes like LED retrofits, motion sensors, programmable thermostats, and end-of-day shutdowns can meaningfully cut energy use without compromising care.
• Biopsy tray waste is common but can be dramatically reduced through staff education, standardized setup, and limits on unnecessary supplies.
• More mindful prescribing, including appropriate quantities and avoiding unnecessary medications or polypharmacy, can reduce both waste and environmental harm, especially for resource-intensive therapies like biologics.
• Routine laboratory monitoring should be individualized and risk-based rather than reflexive, because many stable dermatology patients likely do not need frequent blanket testing.
• Dermatologic procedures can often be made more sustainable by using field sterility, clean gloves when appropriate, absorbable sutures, and reusable instruments without increasing infection risk.
• Improved waste segregation and limiting regulated medical waste are practical, cost-saving interventions that reduce environmental impact.
• Overall, the presentation argues that sustainable dermatology is not austerity but high-value care that often improves efficiency, saves money, and preserves quality of care.