The purchase of goods and services accounted for 34% of the University of Luxembourg’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, with a margin of error of approximately 16%. Solutions to reduce the impact exist. One key aspect would be to extend the product’s lifetime. Indeed, the most significant impact of a product occurs before it is used. For instance, the manufacturing phase of digital goods concentrates the majority of environmental impacts. It represents 60% of the carbon footprint, and the use phase 40%. Extending the life of a product can also mean buying second-hand. You will not use new resources or emit greenhouse gases for production. You will instead extend the product’s lifetime.
In this article, Sergio Alvarez Mendez and Diana Sofia Da Costa Pato, two professionals from SimUL (Simulation Training Unit) at the University of Luxembourg, prove that buying second-hand while maintaining a high-quality standard is possible. SimUL is a laboratory of the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine at the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM).
Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
(Sergio) Hello, my name is Sergio. Some people at the University know that I might typically start answering this question with a joke; however, given the context, I will adopt a more formal approach. I moved to Luxembourg 13 years ago, and shortly after, I began working at the University. Over the years, I have held various positions in the lab, biosafety, safety, general lab support, management, and, for a few years, in SimUL. My academic background includes a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, a master’s in clinical and fundamental nutrition, and a master’s in natural sciences didactics. Additionally, I worked in Spain for several years as an IT systems administrator at public universities and as a biology and geology high school teacher in the public education system.
(Diana) Hello, my name is Diana. I joined the University in February 2024 as a Research Support Technician, collaborating with Sergio Alvarez Mendez in the Simulation Training Unit (SimUL). I hold a degree in Nursing, which I completed in Portugal, and my professional development has taken place primarily abroad. I worked for several years as a nurse in the United Kingdom and have been based in Luxembourg since 2018, where I have continued my nursing career.
What is SimUL, and what inspired the creation of this initiative?
SimUL is the health simulation facility at the University of Luxembourg. Professor Gilbert Massard created and conceived it based on the canonical health sciences pedagogical motto “Never the first time on the patient.” In the beginning, it was a cornerstone for the pedagogical development and strategy of the new bachelor’s in medicine and currently for all health-related bachelors and programmes. The idea is to provide the most advanced training for students in a controlled and safe environment, which will contribute to obtaining precious knowledge, dexterity, experience, and self-confidence for the students in their future real clinical environment training. SimUL allows a very inspiring environment both for reflection and self-evaluation.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily operations?
We were conscious that the equipment used in the clinic must have a higher compliance standard because they are used with patients. They can be cast aside due to minimal flaws. In SimUL, we are working with mannequins and training clinical gestures to benefit from these pieces of equipment that cannot be used in the hospital but can perform well in our facility, saving the University money and environmental impact.
We try to buy second-hand equipment, which is drastically cheaper. These devices work perfectly fine for our pedagogical goals.
We also reuse uncontaminated materials and some consumables for the same reason: they are uncontaminated and can be efficient even after several uses.
What is more challenging? Acquiring second-hand products or new products? How do you manage this, especially within University procedures?
Second-hand equipment! Sometimes, it is difficult for the companies to understand our proposals and requests. We understand that the profit they can get is less, but sometimes, it is also very beneficial for them, for the environment, and for us, the University.
We tried to negotiate aspects that are more complicated compared to just acquiring new equipment, such as the warranty period, installation, and conformity. Finally, it worked well, and we achieved the objective. In any case, we follow and fulfill the Procurement guidelines and requirements for the purchase.
Find out more on the dedicated page for our 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emission Report.
What percentage of your overall products are second-hand?
We could say 20% or even more in the future.
What types of materials or equipment are you currently seeking?
Any kind! We are open to proposals!
With advancements in medicine and technology, second-hand items might be considered outdated. How do you ensure they remain adequate for training purposes?
That is indeed an essential aspect of health sciences didactics, and it cannot be neglected. Sometimes, we cannot accept or get any kind of downgraded device because it impacts the pedagogical goals. But other times, the basics of the technique or knowledge are there, independently of the technological details of the equipment
The medical field is often criticised for generating significant waste. How do you address this issue when working with simulations?
Once again, patient safety is above everything in the clinic. It is difficult to imagine procedures that can put patient safety at risk; that is not acceptable, which is why the tendency in the last years has been to use single-use materials.
However, the framework in health simulation is different, and we can even simulate package integrity/sterility of the material to reuse consumables.
Are you proud of a particular second-hand product or material?
We could mention a fully functional hospital bed that was donated by CHEM (Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch in Esch-sur-Alzette), and it was one of the first pieces of equipment that we got to establish a donation convention. Our operation theatre table, which we purchased from a company, came after being downgraded at the CHL. We were already preparing a negotiated tender for it, and finally, we saved a lot of resources, time, and money for us and the University.
Second-hand items often come with interesting stories. Do you have a memorable one you’d like to share?
We purchased some time ago a second-hand baby incubator from a company; this device was used by the company to replace other equipment out of order until repair, and we like to imagine that this device which is used now for teaching at SimUL, was crucial to saving and healing many premature and newborns babies lives, it is kind of an honourable retirement for this equipment in our University and even if it’s an inanimate object we are proud for all the service this device provided.
Are there any ongoing or upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?
We are trying to establish more donation conventions with healthcare providers in the Grand-Duché, and we hope all stakeholders will understand how much we appreciate their help, support, and commitment to the University’s health-related programmes.
Thank you, the SimUL team, for the time and dedication.