Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Central Sterile Supply Department Under High-Quality Development of Public Hospitals: A Narrative Review

This review focuses on energy conservation and emission reduction in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) of public hospitals. Based on policy frameworks including the Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan, the high-quality development initiative for public hospitals, and the "Three Transformations" strategy, and integrating the critical role of CSSD as the "master valve" for hospital infection control, this review systematically outlines the three-stage evolution of CSSD energy conservation and emission reduction: the passive energy-saving stage, the equipment and technology improvement stage, and the systematic management stage. Evidence was synthesized narratively from English- and Chinese-language literature published from inception to June 2025. By comprehensively analyzing existing literature, this review identifies the current bottlenecks faced by CSSDs, including challenges in technology adaptation, cross-departmental collaboration, intelligent system development, and cost-benefit balance. We propose three interrelated optimization pathways: precision technology, refined management, and integrated intelligence, and further discuss the challenges of transformation and future development directions toward a "safety-efficiency-low carbon" model. This review aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for energy conservation and emission reduction in CSSDs of public hospitals, assist hospitals in meeting the assessment target of "reducing energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of revenue", and promote the green and sustainable development of the medical industry.