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The following is a summary of “Reducing the carbon footprint for a 30-bed haemodialysis unit by changing the delivery of acid concentrate supplied by individual 5 L containers to a central delivery system,” published in the September 2024 issue of Nephrology by Murcutt et al.
Hemodialysis treatments produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mainly from the equipment, consumables, and pharmaceuticals used. An internal audit revealed a 33% wastage of acid concentrate when using individual 5.0 L containers at a 1:44 dilution.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study exploring if switching the delivery system for acid concentrate could reduce wastage and related GHG emissions.
They compared the impact of using single-use 5.0L plastic containers versus a bulk delivery system for a 30-bed dialysis unit. Estimates of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were calculated using the U.K. government database and other sources.
The results showed that a 30-station dialysis unit operating at total capacity (3 shifts, 6 days a week) could achieve an annual reduction of about 33,481 kgCO2e/year; in reduced product wastage, saving 6192 kgCO2e, 5205 kgCO2e from fewer deliveries, and 22,444 kgCO2e from less packaging and waste, translating to roughly one tonne of CO2e reduction per dialysis station each year.
Investigators concluded that switching to a central acid delivery system significantly cuts CO2e emissions in dialysis clinics. The savings from reducing single-use plastic packaging far exceed the benefits of cutting acid concentrate wastage, prompting a review of current dialysis facility designs and policies.
Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40620-024-02073-9
