Environmental responsibility in the Sterile Processing Department: nursing leadership in sustainable development.

OBJECTIVE

to report the experience of implementing the principles of ISO 14001 in the Sterile Processing Department of a large healthcare institution.

METHODS

a quantitative, descriptive experience report conducted in a large private hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, from January 2020 to July 2025.

RESULTS

the following initiatives were developed: rational use of water; optimization of surgical-grade paper consumption; and reorganization of sterile materials packaged individually. Educational actions, combined with the use of monitoring technologies, proved to be effective strategies for modifying behaviors and fostering an organizational culture focused on sustainability.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the reported experience demonstrates how this approach can guide interventions and support sustainable decision-making, serving as a reference for organizations seeking to improve their environmental practices.