Clinically Sustainable Consulting

Client Results

How we've helped trade associations, MedTech companies and health systems turn sustainability evidence into strategy, sales and policy impact.

Trade Associations & Policy

Getting a proven sustainability solution written into national decarbonization guidance

  • Evidence consolidated into an online data tool members share with prospective clients
  • Data-backed claims included in national decarbonization guidance
  • Ongoing horizon-scanning of US and European standards and regulations

Challenge

As interest in sustainability exploded across healthcare, this non-profit trade association of single-use device reprocessors needed health systems and policymakers to recognize the environmental benefits of its members — but with so many initiatives emerging, it didn't know where to focus.

Approach

We synthesized the existing literature to validate the environmental, sustainability and resilience claims of member companies, then brought that evidence to the emerging initiatives that mattered most.

Impact

Single-use device reprocessing was recognized as a 'low-hanging fruit' decarbonization solution, and the validated data were shared with the White House Health Sector Pledge, the Joint Commission voluntary decarbonization standards and the CMS TEAM Decarbonization and Resilience Initiative.

“We needed a research consultant to create a roadmap for us to manage the explosion of interest in all things scientific and clinical related to what we do, so that we are working smart given the limited time and budget we have. Dr. Thiel instinctively understood this and has helped us tremendously to prioritize and deliver results in just the right ways.”

Daniel J. Vukelich, Executive Director, Association of Medical Device Reprocessors

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MedTech & Device Sales

Equipping a medical device sales force to sell sustainability — without greenwashing

  • ~120 sales representatives trained hands-on
  • Approved language for marketing new products and existing services
  • Fewer overstated claims and less greenwashing risk

Challenge

New products contained recycled content and bio-based plastics, but a large global sales force didn't know how to talk about them, and the company needed to avoid overstated environmental claims.

Approach

We worked through the products to identify which sustainability features were supported by data, then built an interactive 45-minute session delivered in small groups at the company's annual sales meeting.

Impact

The entire sales team gained a shared, defensible way to discuss sustainability with customers — and the company gained institutional knowledge on positioning product changes.

“Dr. Thiel adeptly connected the dots for our employees, illustrating why as a medical device company, we must prioritize climate change and sustainability. Her ability to convey complex concepts in a relatable manner left a lasting impression on our team, empowering us with the knowledge needed to advocate for sustainable practices within our industry.”

Business Unit Manager, Medical device company

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Health Systems & Finance

Building the business case for health system decarbonization

Client: NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business

  • ROSI framework and case studies completed
  • Findings presented to health system leaders at CleanMed
  • Co-authored academic publication

Challenge

Academic business and finance experts were developing a 'Return on Sustainability Investment' (ROSI) model for healthcare, but needed deep health-sector knowledge and access to health systems already engaged in sustainability.

Approach

We identified active decarbonization approaches in health systems, introduced top health-system and sector stakeholders to the study team, and co-prepared publications and presentations.

Impact

A framework and case studies health systems can use to understand — and pitch — the financial benefits of decarbonization, plus a peer-reviewed article on remaining evidence gaps.

“Dr. Thiel is a delight to work with. She works collaboratively as a thought partner and has a wealth of knowledge in sustainability in healthcare, all of which helped the project tremendously.”

Project Lead, NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business

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Ready to talk about your project?

Tell us what you're working on and we'll follow up on how we can help.

Book a consultation Email cassandra@clinicallysustainable.org