A sustainable future for the diagnostics industry
Combating climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Achieving the 1.5 degree target set out in the Paris Agreement will require major efforts that can only be accomplished by transforming society and the economy. The healthcare sector also contributes to climate change, particularly through its consumption of resources. The VDGH has addressed the urgency of the issue by setting up the Environment and Sustainability Department and, together with its member companies, is tackling the tasks that the industry will face in the coming years. The VDGH has set itself the task of identifying the areas in which it has a particular impact on the environment and finding sustainable solutions without compromising patient safety.
Environmental laws always in view
There are numerous laws that deal with environmental protection and sustainability. The implementation of the European Green Deal in particular has resulted in many new laws and legislative revisions. This results in considerable requirements for the diagnostics industry when developing its products. The VDGH supports the industry in maintaining an overview by publishing overviews and advance notices of future regulations.
Challenges and political work
Health-specific regulations are not always directly compatible with environmental and sustainability goals. For example, there are often fears of a loss of quality in patient care. Coordination with legislators is necessary here to ensure that environmental protection measures are not at the expense of patients. The introduction of new laws also increases bureaucratic requirements, particularly for SMEs. The VDGH is lobbying the responsible ministries for a balanced approach. Practical solutions must be ecologically and economically sustainable without jeopardizing patient safety.
Support from the VDGH
Sustainable transformation is a major challenge, especially for SMEs. Together with the VDGH, companies can establish a sustainable corporate culture that makes both ecological and economic sense. At information events, they learn how they can integrate sustainable and circular business practices into their business processes. Practice-oriented workshops enable the exchange of best practices and solutions. Companies can benefit from the experience of others and develop their own sustainable strategies. In addition, the VDGH provides comprehensive guidelines and documents to support companies in implementing sustainability measures.