The green nephrology survey of sustainability in renal units in England, Scotland and Wales

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Abstract

The impact of unmitigated climate change upon global health is predicted to be disastrous. However, the very provision of healthcare itself has a significant environmental impact, and the contribution of kidney care to the carbon footprint of the NHS is likely to be disproportionately high. Furthermore, the current economic climate will ensure that healthcare systems face unprecedented reductions in resources (or, at the very least, diminished expansion in the face of ongoing increases in demand). Improvements in the way that renal services use resources will address both issues. This survey was designed to identify a baseline for sustainability in kidney care, to support a clinical transformation to lower carbon kidney care by identifying fruitful areas for attention, and to act as an educational tool. The survey identified measures for improvement across the different areas of the provision of kidney care, including building energy use, patient and staff transport, water use and the consumption and procurement of resources. The results of the survey, which was completed by 58 adult and paediatric renal units across England, Scotland, and Wales, are reported here and potential changes are discussed.