Abt
Network Greener is a carbon emissions conference travel calculator created by GreenHealth Lab at UCSF, specifically designed to evaluate the environmental impact of medical conference travel. This initiative aims to address the climate crisis by highlighting the carbon footprint associated with such events. Our team developed this tool based on the data and methodology outlined in our scientific paper, “Reducing the Environmental Impact of Healthcare Conferences: A Study of Emissions and Practical Solutions.” The calculator enables users to estimate their carbon emissions based on their role (attendee or host) and mode of conference participation (in-person or virtual). Additionally, it provides insights into various methods to offset carbon emissions generated from these events.

Recognizing that all sectors must contribute to addressing the climate crisis, we hope Network Greener will encourage healthcare professionals to lead in combating climate change. Healthcare professionals, committed to the principle of ‘do no harm’, can make significant contributions by making environmentally conscious decisions. One such decision is the intentional inclusion of virtual or hybrid attendance options in medical conferences, reducing emissions and making these events more accessible and equitable by removing barriers to participation. More than a mere emissions calculator, Network Greener serves as a platform advocating for responsible actions to reduce our carbon footprint, ultimately benefiting both the planet and patient health.

Complete details concerning our methodology can be found in our published manuscript https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO.23.00209

For further information about the initiatives and research of GreenHealth Lab, please visit our website at greenhealth.ucsf.edu.



1. Calculate your conference-related emissions...

Start by understanding your carbon footprint, then scroll below to learn more about how you can offset your emissions.

Travel Details







Carbon Footprint

Distance

Offset Emissions



2. ...offset your emissions

Use the interactive graph to see how changes to your lifestyle can offset your conference-related emissions.

Lifestyle Changes

Select any of the following options to see how a year of change can offset your conference-related emissions:

Are you hosting a conference?
Are you deciding between permitting in-person versus hybrid attendance?
Or are you sending your team/department to a conference?

Estimate conference-related carbon emissions for different ratios of in-person versus virtual attendance.

Estimations are based on the number of participants that are traveling (nationally and/or internationally), lodging, and space utilization.



Estimated conference-related
C02 waste (metric tons)





Attendance Estimated range in waste (metric tons of CO2)
25% virtual
50% virtual
75% virtual
Fully virtual

We are thankful to our partner organizations and the sponsorship of this work from grants and generous foundation support



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