Design as the Catalyst of Change for Carbon Reduction in Health Technology

Introduction

Designing products to align with NHS net zero targets requires careful consideration of its environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle, from manufacturing to use and end-of-life disposal.

Key considerations include adopting circular economy principles, reducing single-use components, prioritising reusability and resource efficiency, undertaking robust carbon footprinting, and aligning with NHS procurement and assessment standards.

Pd-m specialise in product design and sustainability in health technology and provided this guide for the designers working medical device, life science and drug delivery.

Context

The National Health Service (NHS) is estimated to be responsible for approximately 5% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, and as a result it created a net zero road map. The roadmap identified that 60% of its emissions were attributed to the supply chain, and so reaching their goal would require bringing suppliers on the journey too. This was a bold and progressive move, with nothing comparable on scale or ambition in any other country.  

Scope 1, 2 and 3

Sustainability isn’t binary, but very much a journey of incremental gains. A solid baseline on an organisation's emissions is typically the first step. Understanding Scope 1, 2 & 3 direct and indirect emissions can be daunting. 

The next step is to move into a carbon reduction plan. Usually Scope 1 & 2 are the easiest place to start since the organisation has a greater influence over these. An approach of Eliminate, Reduce, Substitute and Compensate can help form the basis for the reduction strategy. Scope 3 (indirect emissions) makes up a large proportion of emissions and is heavily influenced by the products being manufactured and distributed, leaving huge potential for improvement in this area by design.

Measuring the impact of design 

Measuring the environmental impact of design decisions can be incredibly difficult to quantify. A full ISO level Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can be a significant undertaking in terms of time, cost, and complexity. Whilst this might be useful as a final verification of a product, it doesn’t help designers measure the impact of their decisions dynamically during the development process. 

This is where sustainable design tools such as carbon and circularity calculators have a real benefit. These allow for quick comparisons to be made on factors including materials, onshoring as well as production processes. The data they provide at a component level can build into a product carbon footprint and give indications on energy required from manufacturing to delivery. When these tools are coupled with a wider understanding of sustainable design strategies, it’s possible to make significant improvements to a product carbon footprint, in turn those reduce overall emissions for the business.  

Key considerations through the design process

Below is a guide to key considerations designers should make when creating products within health technology. It provides a a summary of as the product progresses from an early Technology Readiness Level of 0 (Opportunity Discovery & Concept Formation) through to Technology Readiness Level 9 (full commercial deployment).