ACS SUSTAIN Collaborative

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is committed to advancing high-value surgical care that delivers excellent patient outcomes while using healthcare resources responsibly.

Operating rooms are among the most resource-intensive environments in healthcare. Sustainable practices help reduce unnecessary waste, improve operational efficiency, strengthen resource stewardship, and support high-quality patient care.

Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability in surgery, the ACS released its Statement on the Importance of Sustainable Surgical Practices, affirming that environmental stewardship and quality improvement are closely connected.

What Is the ACS SUSTAIN Collaborative?

The ACS Surgical Sustainability Team for Action and Innovation (SUSTAIN) Collaborative is a community for surgeons and the broader surgical care team to learn, collaborate, and implement practical sustainability initiatives in surgical care.

Guided by the SUSTAIN Workgroup, the Collaborative develops educational resources, shares best practices, and launches campaigns that help participants improve quality, efficiency, and resource stewardship.

Current focus areas include:

• Preference Card Optimization
• Desflurane Elimination
• Instrument Reprocessing and Remanufacturing

Who Can Participate?

The SUSTAIN Collaborative welcomes anyone interested in advancing sustainability in surgical care.

Participants may include:

• Surgeons
• Nurses
• Perioperative professionals
• Quality improvement professionals
• Hospital administrators
• Trainees
• Sustainability champions

As a member of the Collaborative, participants can:

• Connect with peers
• Attend webinars
• Access educational resources
• Participate in collaborative initiatives
• Share ideas and best practices