Date Posted: January 4, 2026

Author/s: Polly Chua-Chan, MD; Venice Rhea Accad; Aleah Salivia Ali; Royce Andrade; Michaela Denise Ang; Joan Camille Aquino; Trizia Marie Baldovino; , Jeuz Sophia Loreine Barrion; Denver Benitez; Michelle Bitangcol; Angelika Cabos; Kyle Niño Callanta; Gian Edric Hilario Catambing; Denise Chua; Antonete Geana Cruz; Nica Elizelle Cuaresma; Kydamae De Luna; Ma. Angelica Dela Cuesta; Angel Anne Delos Reyes; Sittie Shahanie Dirampatun; Andelyn Dumas; Karen Gablines; Ethel Princess Gepulango; Lizette Maida Huerto; Jervee Carl Javier; Felmark Ross Labrador

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-113-1-69

Introduction: A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by individuals, organizations, or specific activities, typically expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). Healthcare, including medical education, is responsible for a considerable portion of global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 4.4%.

Objective: To estimate the carbon footprint of medical students, according to household (occupants, electricity, natural gas, heating oil, coal, LPG, propane, and wooden pellets), transportation (flights, car, motorbike, bus & rail), and secondary (consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, technology, automotive, hospitality & leisure, and finance & insurance) emissions.

Methods: This study used descriptive design to estimate the carbon footprints of medical students as to household, transportation, and secondary emissions, wherein the data were collected quantitatively using an online carbon footprint calculator, specifically the Carbon Footprint™ calculator.

Results: Overall emissions per student average 14.228 tons, with a median of 2.390 and a very high maximum of 202.240 tons. This highlights a huge disparity within the group—suggesting the presence of a few extremely high emitters influencing the average disproportionately. The dataset underscores profound inequality in carbon footprints among medical students, mirroring broader national trends noted in the Philippines. The sharp contrast between median and maximum values across all categories suggests a heavy-tailed distribution, indicating that while most students live relatively low-carbon lifestyles, a minority significantly surpass typical emission levels, likely due to privileged access to private transportation, energy-intensive housing, or high-consumption habits.

Conclusion: Sustainable practices such as reducing the use of disposables, optimizing travel, and shifting toward virtual or hybrid academic activities can significantly cut down emissions related to transport and accommodation. Cultivating sustainable habits in future healthcare

Keywords:
carbon footprints, greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide equivalents