Introduction:
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an essential tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of medical procedures, particularly in energy-intensive treatments like hemodialysis (HD). This study conducted an LCA of key HD procedures at a dialysis center in Poland, focusing on CO₂ emissions and identifying sustainability hotspots.
Methods:
The analysis included vascular access creation, chronic HD sessions, hybrid and isolated dialysis sessions, and the management of complications. Additional factors considered were the commuting of patients and medical professionals and waste management practices. CO₂ emissions were calculated using standard emission factors for energy use and transportation. Waste management was also assessed, considering that waste is transported for incineration, with minimal recycling.
Results:
The total CO₂ emissions from the center were estimated at 81,060.04 kg CO₂ annually. Transportation was the largest contributor, accounting for 54,525 kg CO₂/year. Routine HD sessions contributed 17,409.6 kg CO₂/year, while sterilization and machine preparation added 7,020 kg CO₂/year. Vascular access procedures, though infrequent, contributed 207.9 kg CO₂ over the patients' lifetime. Waste management practices, particularly incineration, significantly impacted the center's carbon footprint.
Conclusions:
Transportation and routine HD sessions are the primary sustainability hotspots at the dialysis center. To reduce the environmental impact, the center should explore options for more sustainable transportation, such as electric buses, and consider energy-efficient HD machines or renewable energy sources. Improving waste management practices, particularly by reducing reliance on incineration and increasing recycling efforts, could further lower overall CO₂ emissions.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.