ZAP Surgical Systems’ Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2045
At ZAP Surgical Systems, we recognize the urgent need to address climate change and reduce our environmental impact. As a leader in stereotactic radiosurgery, we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Our pledge includes the following key actions:
ZAP Surgical Systems demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by integrating environmentally friendly practices into the core design of the ZAP-X system. This commitment is evident in several keyways:
No Vault: One standout feature of the ZAP-X system is its self-shielding technology, which eliminates the need for radiation bunkers. Unlike traditional radiosurgery and radiotherapy systems that require extensive concrete bunkers – resulting in around 100 metric tons of CO2 emissions during concrete production. For the ZAP-X all radiation shielding is part of the robot itself. This approach substantially reduces the devices’ carbon footprint, where the total CO2 emissions are only a quarter of what other systems need just for the bunker. Furthermore, many components used in the ZAP-X serve dual purposes, providing structural support to the robot while also acting as shielding, maximizing overall efficiency.
No Cobalt-60: From a sustainability perspective, the ZAP-X system offers distinct advantages over systems reliant on cobalt-60 as a radiation source:
Reduced Radioactive Waste: The ZAP-X does not rely on radioactive isotopes like cobalt-60, which are used in some radiosurgery or radiotherapy systems. Cobalt-60-based systems generate radioactive waste, demanding careful disposal and long-term storage. Managing such waste is costly and poses environmental and safety risks.
Energy Efficiency: ZAP-X employs a linear accelerator that is more energy-efficient compared to cobalt-60 systems. Linear accelerators utilize electricity to generate high-energy X-rays beams, while cobalt-60 machines depend on a continuous supply of cobalt-60 sources that require frequent replacement. The production and transportation of cobalt-60 sources consume energy and resources, contributing to higher operational costs and environmental impact.
In summary, ZAP Surgical Systems’ commitment to sustainability is clearly reflected in the design of the ZAP-X system. It eliminates the need for radiation bunkers, avoids the use of cobalt-60, reduces environmental impact, minimizes radioactive waste, and promotes energy efficiency in the field of radiosurgery, all without compromising on its effectiveness as a medical treatment tool.