The healthcare sector, including primary care, has a significant environmental impact. Reducing the carbon footprint associated with primary care practices is crucial for mitigating global carbon emissions.

This study aimed to assess the average carbon footprint of a primary care consultation and compare the carbon footprints of primary care practices in western Switzerland, considering best, worst, and average performers. The analysis involved a retrospective carbon footprint analysis of ten private practices throughout 2018.

By optimizing structural and organizational aspects of practice work, it is possible to have a substantial impact on the carbon footprint of primary care practices without requiring major changes in medical activities.

Based on this article, a second article proposes a set of recommendations to decrease the CO2 emissions of primary care practices.