88% of physicians see the environment as a health factor – sustainability becomes a criterion in medical decision-making

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a central factor in the German healthcare system. According to the new “Physician Barometer: Sustainability Factor”, commissioned by AstraZeneca Germany, 88 percent of surveyed physicians recognize a direct link between environmental factors and their patients’ health.

More than half – specifically 54 percent – already consider sustainability aspects when making therapy decisions.

This development reflects growing awareness in medical practice, as Prof. Dr. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann, environmental medicine specialist at the University of Augsburg, emphasizes: “Sustainability is becoming a core element of responsible medicine – ecologically, socially, and economically.”

Expectations toward the pharmaceutical industry are also rising:

• 87 percent of physicians demand active sustainability measures, such as CO₂ reduction and resource-efficient production.
• 71 percent see the industry playing a key role in making healthcare more sustainable through digital solutions.

AstraZeneca embraces this responsibility:
With initiatives like Ambition Zero Carbon, the transition to a 100% electric vehicle fleet, and the development of sustainable inhalers with up to 99.9% less greenhouse potential, the company aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of medical care.

The message is clear: Sustainable therapy approaches, digitalization, eco-friendly products, and joint efforts across the board – from physicians to research and industry – are key to a future-proof healthcare system.