The UK Kidney Association (UKKA) and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) are proud to be integral partners in the Net Zero Kidney Care Initiative, a pioneering collaboration that aims to embed sustainable practices in kidney care across the UK. In partnership with the Greener NHS, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH), and Health Innovation North-East and North Cumbria, this initiative is setting the stage for transformative, measurable change in one of the most resource-intensive areas of healthcare.
Driving Sustainability in Kidney Care
Kidney care is a key focus for achieving the NHS’s sustainability goals, given its substantial carbon footprint and resource demands. This project seeks to overcome barriers to widespread adoption of sustainable practices by providing kidney care teams with clear guidance, practical tools and a robust benchmarking framework to track and encourage progress.
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare estimates that scaling up 20 proven green innovations across UK kidney centres could deliver annual savings of £7 million, reduce carbon emissions by 11,000 tonnes CO2e, and conserve 470 million litres of water.
Collaborative Solutions for Lasting Impact
The UKRR is central to the development of a data-sharing mechanism and benchmarking framework, enabling 60 pilot kidney centres to measure progress and adopt sustainable practices effectively. Data will also be integrated into the UKRR’s existing platforms, ensuring long-term accessibility and impact.
As part of the initiative, the UKKA will support training for 60 "Kidney Unit Sustainability Champions" to drive local implementation and foster a culture of sustainability across England's kidney centres.
Ron Cullen, CEO of the UKKA says, “Sustainability in healthcare starts with empowered teams. By training sustainability champions and providing the tools they need, we are equipping kidney care professionals to lead change locally and collectively make a significant impact nationally.”
“Data and measurement are critical to achieving our sustainability goals. The UK Renal Registry is proud to play a key role in this initiative, supporting kidney centres to implement practical changes that drive measurable improvements in carbon emissions, water conservation and cost savings," adds Retha Steenkamp, Lead Statistician at the UKRR and Head of Operations for the UKKA.
Key Objectives of the Initiative:
- Benchmarking Framework: Establish evidence-based measures to track progress across kidney centres.
- Data Sharing: Develop tools to collect and disseminate sustainability data through collaboration with the UKRR.
- Leadership Development: Empower clinical teams with sustainability training and an online engagement network.
- Impact Modelling: Quantify the benefits of sustainable interventions in terms of carbon, cost and water savings.
- Knowledge Sharing: Publish best practices to inspire other specialities to pursue sustainability goals.
A Commitment to Greener Healthcare
Through this initiative, the UKKA and the UKRR are committed to reducing the environmental impact of kidney care while maintaining excellent patient outcomes. This collaboration highlights the importance of specialty care in achieving the NHS’s net zero ambitions, transforming kidney care into a model for sustainable healthcare delivery.