# The carbon footprint of transperineal prostate biopsy

## TL;DR

This study calculates the carbon footprint of a transperineal prostate biopsy and finds that most emissions come from equipment and travel.

## Contribution

This is the first study to evaluate the carbon footprint of transperineal prostate biopsy.

## Key findings

- Transperineal prostate biopsy emits approximately 70 kgCO2e per case.
- Procurement and travel account for 99% of emissions from the procedure.
- Electricity, waste disposal, and linen sterilisation contribute less than 1.5% of total emissions.

## Abstract

To evaluate the carbon footprint of transperineal prostate biopsy (TPPB). Climate change is the biggest global public health threat of the 21st century. Healthcare contributes 5% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite growing enthusiasm for sustainable urology, there is little data on the environmental impact of urological practice.

Emissions associated with TPPB (under local anaesthesia) at a hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand were estimated from electricity consumption, procurement of equipment/supplies, travel of staff and patients, waste disposal and sterilisation of linen. Emissions coefficients were used to determine CO2 equivalents (kgCO2e) emitted.

TPPB was associated with 70 kgCO2e of emissions per case. This equates to 280 km of travel by car, or an economy seat on a 70‐minute flight. The largest contributors were procurement (76%) and travel (23%). Electricity, waste disposal and sterilisation of linen did not contribute significantly to emissions (cumulatively <1.5%).

This is the first study to evaluate the carbon footprint of a TPPB. Emissions were derived mostly from procurement and travel. These may be mitigated by review of standardised equipment packs, transitioning to reusables and introducing outreach biopsy clinics. Adherence to pragmatic evidence‐based guidelines for prostate cancer may reduce emissions associated with overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies. Further research is required to characterise the broader environmental impact of urology services.