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The Swiss healthcare system emits almost 7% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than, for example, air traffic. "And yet this subject is given very little attention, even though the associated health problems are clearly on the increase", says Johanna Sommer, professor at the Institute of Family and Child Medicine (IuMFE) in the Faculty of Medicine and initiator of this project with Yves Jackson, professor in the Department of Community Health and Medicine and head of the HUG Community Medicine and Care Unit.

"What about here at the CMU, where we train the next generation of physicians, and where dozens of laboratories are working to better understand and treat diseases?" adds Antoine Geissbuhler, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. "Logically, we decided to start by evaluating the situation, on the basis of which we could build a solid strategic vision. The HUG have been working on this since 2020, it is therefore essential that our two institutions can coordinate their actions to achieve common goals.”

Three key areas for energy-efficient medicine

PERFoRMed started in October 2024. Conducted by scientific associate Raphaël Tornare, the project deploys three main aims: to estimate the Faculty's carbon footprint, to encourage sustainable laboratories and, finally, to strengthen teaching in this area. "Four years ago, at the instigation of a group of students, we launched a longitudinal course in global health", explains Yves Jackson. "In addition to dedicated courses, we aim to include an 'environmental' angle in existing courses in human and dental medicine and in biomedical sciences, starting with a detailed inventory of what is already being done.” Student involvement is also a cornerstone of this teaching. "The bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences recently introduced a 3-year integrated course called "Planète Biomed". Its aim is to develop eco-lab sheets to encourage research teams to adopt practices to reduce their laboratories emission."

Raphaël Tornare began his study with the building and the laboratories. "The CMU is one of the buildings with the highest environmental impact of the State of Geneva's public buildings", he notes. "If we go into detail, it turns out that the old part, inaugurated in 1981, is a real energy sieve, whereas the new part is much more energy-efficient, thanks in particular to energy-saving systems and rainwater recovery." The overall balance of the buildings also depends on the habits of those who spend their days there. An , which is still available, aims to gain a better understanding of their mobility.

Rethinking laboratory practices

One of the main sources of emissions comes from research activities, particularly because of the quantity and type of equipment used. "I started surveying the research teams to get a clear idea of the issues", says Raphaël Tornare. "A majority of scientists believe that their research activities have a moderate to significant environmental impact. However, a in Nature shows that, for an equivalent surface area, a research laboratory consumes 10 times more energy than a conventional office.”

“In the wake of the "Biomed Planet" course, the aim will be to propose strategies for reducing emissions without infringing good practice and biological safety, for example by taking action on single-use equipment”, explains Raphaël Tornare. Choices such as using reusable glass equipment rather than single-use plastic are important, or optimising the use of ultra-low temperature freezers, which are among the biggest consumers of electricity in laboratories. “Increasing their temperature from -80°C to -70°C would reduce their consumption by around 30%, without compromising the preservation of samples. To give an order of magnitude, a single freezer of this type can consume as much electricity as an average household of four people".

Towards an institutional strategy

An initial report, with recommendations, will be finalised by the end of the year. On this basis, and in conjunction with institutional policy, the Faculty will work towards defining a strategy tailored to its specific characteristics. "The UNIGE Rectorate recognises the importance of these issues, as do a growing number of other Swiss academic institutions", adds Johanna Sommer. "There is still a great deal to be done in all areas of medicine, but this first step is an impetus towards taking real account of the need for more environmentally-friendly medicine."

Raphaël TORNARE holds a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from the 玉美人传媒 of Fribourg and a master's degree in biomedical sciences from the UNIGE. During his Master's, he completed two internships, one at the Institute of Global Health in the Faculty of Medicine, where he carried out an assessment of the carbon footprint of Geneva's healthcare system, and the other with the HUG's Social and Environmental Responsibility Unit. Since 2024, he has been a scientific collaborator and head of the environmental sustainability project for the Faculty of Medicine.

raphael.tornare@unige.ch