Journal of Applied Pharmacy
Open Access

Green Pharmacy Practices: A Sustainability-Based Model for Hospital Pharmacy Operations

Mikkel Andersen^{* *}Correspondence: Mikkel Andersen, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Sustainability, Copenhagen Institute of Health and Pharmacy, Copenhagen, Denmark, Email:

Author info »

Description

The concept of Green Pharmacy, has emerged as a transformative approach in hospital pharmacy operations, driven by the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability in healthcare systems. Hospital pharmacies, as essential components of modern medical institutions, contribute significantly to environmental pollution through pharmaceutical waste, excessive packaging, energy consumption, and chemical discharges. Green Pharmacy practices aim to minimize these negative impacts by integrating environmentally sustainable principles into the procurement, storage, compounding, dispensing, and disposal of medications. In Denmark, a country at the forefront of sustainable healthcare, the adoption of green models within hospital pharmacy operations is gaining momentum, supported by governmental policy, public health priorities, and growing institutional commitment to reducing ecological footprints.

A sustainability-based model for hospital pharmacies begins with environmentally responsible procurement. This involves selecting pharmaceutical suppliers that use eco-friendly manufacturing processes, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable raw materials. It also includes the preference for drugs with a lower environmental burden, such as those with minimal persistence in wastewater systems. Many hospitals in Denmark have started to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies that conduct life cycle assessments of their products, allowing for informed choices that consider both clinical efficacy and environmental impact. Energy efficiency within the pharmacy premises is another crucial area of intervention. Additionally, the layout and design of pharmacy spaces are being reconfigured to support natural ventilation and lighting, aligning with Denmark's green building standards for healthcare institutions.

Waste management represents one of the most pressing concerns in pharmacy sustainability. Improper disposal of expired or unused medications can lead to contamination of water sources and soil, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. Green Pharmacy practices promote the segregation of hazardous pharmaceutical waste, safe drug return programs for patients, and the utilization of waste-to-energy systems for incineration. Hospital pharmacies in Denmark are increasingly adopting digital inventory systems that track drug usage patterns and prevent overstocking, thus reducing the generation of pharmaceutical waste due to expiration. Compounding areas are also subject to stricter controls to avoid unnecessary disposal of compounded preparations and solvents.

The shift towards green operations is also being reflected in the digitization of pharmacy services. By replacing paper-based records, prescriptions, and communication tools with electronic systems, hospital pharmacies reduce paper waste and improve workflow efficiency. E-prescriptions and digital patient profiles have become standard in Danish hospitals, facilitating seamless integration between pharmacists, physicians, and administrative staff. These systems not only contribute to environmental goals but also enhance medication safety and patient outcomes.

Training and awareness among pharmacy staff are integral to the success of sustainable initiatives. Continuous professional development programs focused on environmental stewardship, eco-conscious decision-making, and compliance with green protocols are now being included in hospital pharmacy curricula. Moreover, interdepartmental collaboration between pharmacy, environmental services, and procurement departments ensures a holistic approach to sustainability, with shared goals and metrics for evaluating performance.

Institutional leadership and policy frameworks play a pivotal role in embedding sustainability into pharmacy operations. Denmark’s national strategy for green healthcare encourages hospitals to achieve carbon neutrality by setting performance benchmarks and offering incentives for meeting green goals. Hospital pharmacies are now incorporating environmental performance indicators alongside traditional metrics such as drug safety and inventory turnover. These indicators include reduction in energy use, waste minimization, percentage of sustainable procurement, and staff participation in green initiatives.

While the adoption of green pharmacy practices comes with initial investment and requires organizational change, the longterm benefits both environmental and economic are substantial. Reduced utility costs, fewer waste disposal fees, and improved public image are just some of the tangible outcomes. More importantly, these practices reflect a commitment to health that extends beyond individual patients to the broader community and planet.

In conclusion, Green Pharmacy practices provide a viable and impactful model for enhancing the sustainability of hospital pharmacy operations. Through responsible procurement, energy-efficient infrastructure, effective waste management, digital innovation, and staff education, hospital pharmacies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Denmark’s proactive stance in integrating these principles into healthcare systems sets a strong example for other nations seeking to align pharmacy practice with sustainability goals. By embedding green values into the core of pharmaceutical operations, hospitals not only fulfill their role in promoting human health but also contribute meaningfully to the health of the environment.