Northrup, Benjamin E., Hanneman, Kate A., & Omary, Reed A. (2025). EcoRad: sustainable radiology and the ecology of economics. BJR Open, 7(1), tzaf027. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjro/tzaf027
This review looks at the prefix “eco,” which can refer to both ecology (the environment) and economics (financial systems). It introduces the idea of combining these two meanings into one unified approach. From this idea comes EcoRad, a framework that mixes economic and environmental principles to help improve how radiology is practiced.
EcoRad aims to achieve the triple bottom line, meaning it evaluates success not just by financial performance, but also by social and environmental impact. In other words, it encourages radiology departments to solve economic challenges in ways that are better for the planet, and to use economic strategies that support planetary health.
Using the EcoRad framework, the review encourages radiology departments to take five key steps to make the field more sustainable:
- Use sustainable procurement and maintenance
- Adopt green information technology (IT) and improve operational efficiency.
- Support payment models that reward environmentally friendly radiology.
- Promote green budgeting, which includes environmental priorities in financial planning.
- Work with patients, industry partners, insurers, and policymakers to advance sustainability efforts.
Overall, EcoRad provides a path for radiology to reduce its environmental footprint while still delivering high-quality care.
Figure 1.
The “eco” framework.