Project

The healthcare sector is responsible for approximately 5% of Germany's total raw material consumption and 5% of German greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, for a long time it was not at the center of efforts to improve resource efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. This is beginning to change, however, in view of the many interactions between the environment, climate and health and the resulting special responsibility of the healthcare sector. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare is rapidly increasing. What this means for resource consumption and CO2 emissions is still largely unclear.

The project investigates the question of what impact artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have on resource consumption and CO2 emissions in the healthcare sector. It aims to review the current state of knowledge and identify the most important gaps in knowledge.

• Tanja Bratan (principal investigator)
• Nils Heyen
• Bärbel Hüsing
• Frank Marscheider-Weidemann
• Jana Thomann

Overall, it has become clear that the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability in healthcare is extremely complex and has not yet been sufficiently researched. The topic also raises difficult questions of allocation – for example, which medical need justifies which environmental impact. In any case, AI should not be seen as a panacea for reducing the environmental footprint of the healthcare sector, but should be used with caution and in synergy with other approaches. In general, a comprehensive shift from curative to preventive healthcare (with all the associated challenges) seems unavoidable to bring the environmental impact of the healthcare sector within acceptable limits, especially if the quality of care is to be maintained.

02/2022 – 04/2023

• Fraunhofer ISI, internal funds