Lumea Surgical Center sets new sustainability benchmark in Canada

Lumea, a network of eye surgery centres operating in the Greater Toronto Area, has implemented sustainable practices within their clinics. Lumea has worked with ClimatePartner to determine their carbon footprint, establish reduction targets, execute reduction measures, and finance climate projects for their unabated emissions.

Lumea now supports the improved cook stoves project in Maharashtra, India, compensating for 621,000 kgs of CO₂. This project aims to improve health by providing improved cookstoves to indigenous households and families living below the poverty level in Maharashtra. Improved cookstoves use thermal energy more efficiently, and depending on the model, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 70 percent, significantly saving CO₂ emissions and lowering the pressure on local forests as less firewood needs to be harvested. Improved cookstoves have an impact that goes beyond CO₂ reduction: better indoor air quality decreases respiratory diseases and families can save time and money as less fuel is needed.

Lumea has also furthered their climate action by initiating several measures to reduce their environmental impact. These measures include centralizing inventory and purchasing to limit duplication and waste, partnering with affiliated optometrists to coordinate post-operation appointments closer to patients' homes, and aiming to become nearly paperless within the next 12-18 months.

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in everything we do. We believe the medical industry has a responsibility to take action against climate change. We hope that other healthcare providers will follow suit and take meaningful steps towards sustainability."

Dr. Paul Sanghera, refractive surgeon and cofounder of Lumea