Greening healthcare: exploring economic and ecological synergies in the pursuit of net-zero carbon futures

This bibliometric review critically examines the economic and ecological synergies within sustainable healthcare, emphasizing the sector's significant role in global carbon emissions, which account for 6%-8% of the global total. By navigating through key terms such as "net-zero carbon footprint," "zero carbon healthcare," and "sustainable healthcare," this study explores an extensive range of scholarly articles to uncover emerging trends and delineate current practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. The analysis highlights the dual benefits and challenges of adopting sustainable practices within healthcare settings, providing nuanced insights into the economic and ecological implications. Through bibliographic coupling, the review identifies eight interconnected research clusters, encompassing areas like COVID-19 waste management, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation strategies. This research is pivotal for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare practitioners, offering a comprehensive resource that underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into healthcare frameworks. It also sets forth a future research agenda aimed at expanding these clusters to foster advancements and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices across the healthcare industry. This review not only charts a path towards environmentally conscious healthcare systems but also serves as a call to action for continued efforts in research and policy-making to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in healthcare. The overarching goal is to align healthcare services with sustainable development goals, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.