But how green is it actually? Calculating the environmental footprint of kidney care environmental optimizations within haemodialysis

Background

Environmental optimizations in kidney care have been analysed as part of the European Union co-funded KitNewCare project.

Methods

Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) using Ecoinvent database and OpenLCA software quantified optimizing resource use (e.g. dialysis machines, reducing flow rates, incremental dialysis), energy-saving measures (e.g. solar energy, efficient lighting) and travel reduction (e.g. home dialysis, telemedicine). Efforts in waste management involve transitioning clinical waste to domestic waste streams, recycling and pyrolysis. Water-saving practices include reclaiming water for non-potable uses and efficient treatment systems.

Results

LCA quantified these interventions, revealing significant environmental particularly in reducing travel and resource use. Travel optimizations yielded the most significant CO₂ equivalent savings, while incremental dialysis also conserved water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The study underlines the importance of prioritizing impactful interventions to minimize the environmental footprint of chronic kidney disease care while maintaining clinical efficacy. Challenges include adapting strategies to local contexts, ensuring economic feasibility and integrating renewable energy sources based on regional energy mixes.