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

Riccardo Fontana, Luciano Vogli, Mattia Buratto, Anna Caproni, Chiara Nordi, Mariangela Pappadà, Martina Facchini, Cesare Buffone, Beatrice Bandera and Peggy Marconi ()
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Riccardo Fontana: Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Luciano Vogli: Punto 3 Srl S.B., 44122 Ferrara, Italy
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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-16

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.

Keywords: LCA; sustainable cleaning; microbiological analysis; healthcare hygiene (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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