Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Anaesthetic Gases in Australian Healthcare: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis

Strategic Insights -

A new report reveals the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of anaesthetic gases in Australian healthcare over the past two decades. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, analyzed purchasing data from IQVIA anaesthetic gases for all Australian public and private hospitals between 2002 and 2022. The findings show a significant increase in emissions between 2002 and 2012, followed by a decline in 2017-2022. The study highlights the need to reduce the use of anaesthetic gases, particularly desflurane, to advance the decarbonisation of clinical practice in Australian healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • The overall carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions rate increased from 74 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2002 to 328 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2012, with the most rapid growth observed between 2002-2004 (annual percentage change [APC], 51%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 38-62%).
  • The CO2e emissions rate then declined to 83 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2022, with the most rapid decline observed between 2017-2022 (APC, -21%; 95% CI, -23% to -20%).
  • The desflurane emissions rate was consistently higher for private than public hospitals, but declined for public hospitals during 2009-2018 (APC, -8%; 95% CI, -10% to -5%) and 2018-2022 (APC, -43%; 95% CI, -48% to -37%), but for private hospitals only during 2017-2022 (APC, -20%; 95% CI, -24% to -17%).
  • Mean emission rates per 100,000 population during 2002-2022 were highest for South Australia/Northern Territory (276 t CO2e per year) and lowest for Victoria/Tasmania (196 t CO2e per year).
  • The study's findings support the need to reduce the use of anaesthetic gases, particularly desflurane, to advance the decarbonisation of clinical practice in Australian healthcare.

Statistics:

  • Total CO2e emissions rate increased from 74 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2002 to 328 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2012, representing a 441% increase over the decade.
  • The CO2e emissions rate declined to 83 t CO2e per 100,000 population in 2022, representing a 75% decline from the 2012 peak.
  • The desflurane emissions rate accounted for 33% of total emissions in 2002, 88% in 2013, and 68% in 2022.
  • Mean emission rates per 100,000 population during 2002-2022 were:

+ South Australia/Northern Territory: 276 t CO2e per year

+ Victoria/Tasmania: 196 t CO2e per year

+ New South Wales: 214 t CO2e per year

+ Queensland: 208 t CO2e per year

Sources:

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated With Anaesthetic Gases In Australia, 2002-2022: a Retrospective Descriptive Analysis. Medical Journal of Australia, 2025.
  • University of Sydney
  • IQVIA
  • Australian Government Department of Health
  • HEAL (Healthy Environments And Lives) National Research Network