We are advocating for increased environmental consciousness in our practices and the facilities in which we work. Physician anesthesiologists can lead by improving operating room design, anesthetic agent choice and management, and waste disposal and diversion, and can mitigate the negative environmental effect of anesthetic practice in all its forms.

https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/governance-and-committees/asa-committees/environmental-sustainability

The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) connects professionals dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of pediatric anesthesia. It promotes sustainable practices, such as lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing waste in the operating rooms.

https://pedsanesthesia.org/sustainability/

The California Society of Anesthesiology (CSA) has long been dedicated to advancing the field of anesthesiology. Now, we’re equally committed to advancing sustainability within healthcare. Climate change poses the most significant threat to our patient’s health, and as healthcare providers, we have a unique responsibility to take action.

https://csahq.org/resources/csa-sustainability-in-todays-healthcare/

Item desThe Environmental Sustainability Section (established in 2018) leads national efforts to provide professional development in "green" anesthesia.

• Focus: Promoting the use of low flows, safer absorbents, and efficient waste management.

• Resources: Developed the CASCADES Sustainable Perioperative Care Playbook, a definitive Canadian resource for OR greening initiatives.

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The Environment and Sustainability Committee (formerly the Environmental Task Group) leads the specialty in the UK and Ireland.

• Joint Strategy: Works closely with the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI) on a Joint Environmental Policy Statement.

• Key Goal: Driving the target to reduce the NHS's carbon footprint by transforming anesthetic practice, including a 50% reduction in inhaled anesthetic agents over 10 years.

European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC): The ESAIC Sustainability Committee focuses on integrating environmental stewardship across Europe.

• Glasgow Declaration: In 2023, the committee launched the Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability, modeling it after the Helsinki Declaration on Patient Safety to enshrine climate action in European clinical practice.

• Sustainability Toolkit: Provides a practical toolkit based on the "5Rs" (Reject, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair) to help hospitals improve sustainable surgery and anesthesia.

The WFSA maintains a dedicated committee that provides global leadership and support for its 141 member societies.

• Global Consensus: The WFSA Global Working Group on Environmental Sustainability published seven core principles for environmentally sustainable anesthesia that are recognized globally.

• Advocacy: Works directly with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies on environmental health impacts.