Idle Cannula Carbon and Cost Calculator

iIMPROVE Emission Savings

What this calculator shows

1. Total emissions of unused cannulas (gCO₂e)
This output represents the estimated total carbon footprint generated by PIVCs that are inserted but never used. Emissions are expressed in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (gCO₂e) and account for the lifecycle impacts of the device, including manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain processes.

2. Estimated CO₂ emissions savings from a 10% reduction in unused cannulas (gCO₂e)
This estimate demonstrates the potential carbon savings achievable if unused cannulas were reduced by 10%. It provides a practical, conservative scenario to help services understand how small improvements in cannulation practices can translate into measurable environmental benefits.

3. Real-life equivalents
To make the carbon impacts easier to interpret, the calculator translates the total emissions from unused cannulas into familiar real-world equivalents, such as:
Distance driven by an average passenger vehicle, and other common everyday activities associated with similar CO₂ emissions.
These comparisons are intended to support engagement and discussion by placing healthcare-related emissions in a broader, more tangible context.

Evidence base and references

This calculator draws on published literature and established carbon estimation tools, including Moretti et al. (2021) on the carbon footprint of unnecessary IV cannulation, the Sustainable Healthcare Networks Hub, the Green Vehicle Guide for vehicle emission equivalents, and the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator (ICEC) for internationally recognised emissions reference data.