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Sustainable vs. Conventional Cleaning in Healthcare: Microbiological and Life Cycle Insights

Author

Listed:
  • Riccardo Fontana

    (Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    The authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Luciano Vogli

    (Punto 3 Srl S.B., 44122 Ferrara, Italy
    The authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mattia Buratto

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Anna Caproni

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Chiara Nordi

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Mariangela Pappadà

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Martina Facchini

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Cesare Buffone

    (Punto 3 Srl S.B., 44122 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Beatrice Bandera

    (Punto 3 Srl S.B., 44122 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Peggy Marconi

    (Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    CIB—Interuniversity Centre for Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental and microbiological effectiveness of two cleaning protocols—EVA (Ecological Visible Approach) and a traditional cleaning protocol—implemented in a healthcare setting. The cleaning procedures were conducted using specific equipment tailored to each protocol, with the EVA Protocol emphasizing sustainable practices. Microbiological evaluations assessed the effectiveness of each protocol in reducing microbial presence on various surfaces. The results demonstrated that the EVA Protocol not only met but often exceeded the microbiological standards achieved by the traditional protocol while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. The comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) highlighted the EVA Protocol’s ability to lower CO 2 emissions by 31.5% compared to the traditional protocol. This study underscores the potential benefits of adopting sustainable cleaning practices in healthcare settings, contributing to both environmental preservation and effective infection control.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Fontana & Luciano Vogli & Mattia Buratto & Anna Caproni & Chiara Nordi & Mariangela Pappadà & Martina Facchini & Cesare Buffone & Beatrice Bandera & Peggy Marconi, 2025. "Sustainable vs. Conventional Cleaning in Healthcare: Microbiological and Life Cycle Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1114-:d:1580019
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Riccardo Fontana & Marco Marzola & Mattia Buratto & Giulia Trioschi & Anna Caproni & Chiara Nordi & Cesare Buffone & Beatrice Bandera & Luciano Vogli & Peggy Marconi, 2022. "Analysis of Civil Environments Cleaning Services—Microbiological and LCA Analysis after Traditional and Sustainable Procedures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-19, December.
    2. Riccardo Fontana & Mattia Buratto & Marco Marzola & Giulia Trioschi & Beatrice Bandera & Cesare Buffone & Luciano Vogli & Peggy Marconi, 2022. "An Evaluation of Hospital Cleaning Regimes—Microbiological Evaluation and LCA Analysis after Traditional and Sustainable/Green Procedures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Riccardo Fontana & Mattia Buratto & Anna Caproni & Chiara Nordi & Mariangela Pappadà & Beatrice Bandera & Luciano Vogli & Cesare Buffone & Peggy Marconi, 2024. "Evaluating Cleaning Services in Civil Environments: Microbiological and Life Cycle Analysis Comparing Conventional and Sustainable Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.
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