RSNA Puts Sustainability Into Practice
From department-led solutions to annual meeting initiatives, the Society is helping radiology reduce its environmental impact
From energy-saving imaging strategies to waste-reduction efforts at the largest radiology meeting in the world, RSNA is advancing practical approaches to sustainability across the specialty. The Society is turning its commitment to environmental sustainability into action, helping radiology departments adopt solutions while reducing the environmental impact of its own programs.
Helping guide that work is the RSNA Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC), which provides science-based guidance to support and enhance the Society’s sustainability efforts and encourages members to take their own steps toward sustainability.
This year, the committee launched the Imaging Sustainability Challenge to spotlight practical approaches already taking shape in radiology departments. Centered on the theme “Aligning Care, Cost and Sustainability,” the challenge invited departments, divisions and multidisciplinary teams to share initiatives that reduce waste, improve efficiency and conserve resources while supporting high-quality patient care.
Participants from 12 countries responded. Projects included low-field and mid-field MRI strategies, AI-accelerated scanning to reduced and recovered contrast media, carbon footprint measurement tools, overnight equipment shutdown, solar-powered US and efforts to cut disposable waste.
“We launched the Imaging Sustainability Challenge to give imaging teams a forum to share practical solutions that balance patient care, operational costs and environmental responsibility,” said Maura Brown, MD, MHA, the RSNA ESC vice-chair and a diagnostic radiologist and medical lead for diagnostic imaging at BC Cancer in Vancouver, Canada. “By highlighting approaches that are already working, we hope other departments can adapt these ideas and build on them in ways that work for their own institutions.”
Building off the strong response to the inaugural challenge, the ESC plans to open submissions again in spring 2027.
Sustainability at RSNA 2026
RSNA is also putting sustainability into practice at its annual meeting.
Efforts include partnering with McCormick Place and general service contractor Freeman on sustainability measures while engaging with Chicago-area organizations to support the local community.
Waste reduction strategies include digital-first attendee resources, reusable signage, meeting bags made with recycled plastic, recycling of Technical Exhibits carpeting and padding, and exhibitor e-waste and battery recycling.
Banners from RSNA 2025 are repurposed into tote bags and notebook covers.
In addition, Fight2Feed, a local nonprofit that operates out of the McCormick Place kitchen, will use surplus event food to prepare meals for the local community.
RSNA and Freeman will offer exhibitors a way to donate leftover booth materials.
Attendees can see these efforts in action in the Technical Exhibits Hall North at the Sustainability Park, sponsored by Bracco. Visitors can write a sustainability pledge on a leaf and add it to one of two recycled cardboard trees. They can also watch short videos about RSNA’s sustainability work and the McCormick Place rooftop garden, or they can take time to relax on eco-friendly lounge furniture.
The RSNA moss letters, a popular photo spot, will also return. “Oscar,” an interactive recycling unit, will help attendees sort waste into recycling and landfill.
During the Exhibit Hall Social on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 3–5 p.m., an OVG Hospitality chef will lead a cooking demonstration, making holiday toffee with local, sustainably produced honey.
Educational programming will bring the conversation into the meeting rooms. The RSNA ESC will host a Discovery Theater session on Monday, Nov. 30, 10–10:30 a.m., highlighting real-world sustainability initiatives. On Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m., the committee will sponsor Operationalizing Sustainable Radiology: A Practical How I Do It Session. In the Learning Center, posters will showcase the Sustainability Challenge, including work from a select group of participants.
Additional sessions and posters throughout the meeting will explore environmental sustainability from a variety of perspectives.
“RSNA is committed to helping advance a healthier, more sustainable future for radiology,” Dr. Brown said. “By providing science-based guidance, developing leaders and encouraging members to take action within their own institutions, RSNA can help ensure that environmental sustainability remains a priority across the specialty.”
For More Information
Learn more and register for the RSNA annual meeting.
Explore RSNA resources on environmental sustainability in medical imaging.