Healthcare Technology Featured Article

January 24, 2013

B. Braun Medical Goes Green with Practice Greenhealth


Over three decades ago, B. Braun Medical, Inc. recognized that some substances in its medical devices might cause health risks for both patients and the environment.

The production, use and disposal of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) causes more environmental damage than the use of any other plastic, while diexylhethl phthalate (DEHP) has caused problems with the development of male sex organs in animals. B. Braun removed the substances from most of its medical devices and created the industry’s only line of IV containers that are free of both PVC and DEHP.

B. Braun has always demonstrated an environmental commitment, and it strengthened that commitment today by partnering up with Practice Greenhealth. Within the healthcare industry, Practice Greenhealth teaches its members to increase both efficiency and environmental stewardship while improving patient care.

“One of B.Braun's longstanding core values is its commitment to the environment, and we are pleased to join forces with an organization like Practice Greenhealth who shares our same vision and commitment,” stated Rob Albert, B. Braun’s chief marketing officer.

Currently, Practice Greenhealth runs five different initiatives designed to green up the healthcare industry. One initiative, Greening the OR (operating room), gives members opportunities to lessen the OR’s environmental footprint while maintaining worker and patient safety and generating significant cost savings.

Another initiative, Greening the Supply Chain, engages businesses in demanding more environmentally friendly products within healthcare facilities, the business marketplace and group purchasing organizations.

The Healthcare Renewable Energy Initiative provides financing options for healthcare centers that wish to become more energy efficient. The Healthier Hospitals Initiative tackles the health, sustainability and high costs of the entire healthcare system, while its Chicago Green Healthcare Initiative works on reducing greenhouse gases while improving social, environmental, economic and public health conditions in Chicago communities.

More than 1,000 organizations have joined Practice Greenhealth since 2008. “We are very pleased to welcome B.Braun to the Practice Greenhealth member community,” said Laura Wenger, Practice Greenhealth’s executive director.




Edited by Rich Steeves
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