Establishing a Net-Zero Emissions Kidney Care Center: A Model Proposal for Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nephrology
• Climate Change Mitigation

Background:

• The healthcare sector significantly contributes to the climate crisis, with dialysis services being carbon-intensive.
• There is a growing need for sustainable healthcare practices aligned with global net-zero commitments.
• Green nephrology aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a net-zero carbon emissions kidney care center model.
• To address global climate change challenges within the healthcare sector.
• To advance health care sustainability goals through innovative approaches.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 4D framework based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Digital Transformation, Low-Carbon Health Care, Circular Economy, and Preventive Medicine.
• Integration of precision kidney health systems and digital care models for acute and chronic kidney injury.
• Focus on increasing kidney transplantation rates, optimizing dialysis modalities, and implementing circular economy principles.

Main Results:

• The proposed model integrates digital transformation for precision kidney health.
• Low-carbon strategies include promoting kidney transplantation and sustainable dialysis.
• Circular economy principles involve wastewater recycling, material repurposing, and renewable energy integration.

Conclusions:

• The net-zero carbon emissions kidney care model offers an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach.
• It provides actionable steps for implementing sustainable kidney care.
• This model serves as a reference for net-zero emissions healthcare systems.