Green dialysis survey: Establishing a baseline for environmental sustainability across dialysis facilities in Victoria, Australia.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The Green Dialysis Survey aimed to (i) establish a baseline for environmental sustainability (ES) across Victorian dialysis facilities; and (ii) guide future initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of dialysis delivery. METHODS: Nurse unit managers of all Victorian public dialysis facilities received an online link to the survey, which asked 107 questions relevant to the ES of dialysis services. RESULTS: Responses were received from 71/83 dialysis facilities in Victoria (86%), representing 628/660 dialysis chairs (95%). Low energy lighting was present in 13 facilities (18%), 18 (25%) recycled reverse osmosis water and seven (10%) reported use of renewable energy. Fifty-six facilities (79%) performed comingled recycling but only 27 (38%) recycled polyvinyl chloride plastic. A minority educated staff in appropriate waste management (n = 30;42%) or formally audited waste generation and segregation (n = 19;27%). Forty-four (62%) provided secure bicycle parking but only 33 (46%) provided shower and changing facilities. There was limited use of tele- or video-conferencing to replace staff meetings (n = 19;27%) or patient clinic visits (n = 13;18%). A minority considered ES in procurement decisions (n = 28;39%) and there was minimal preparedness to cope with climate change. Only 39 services (49%) confirmed an ES policy and few had ever formed a green group (n = 14; 20%) or were currently undertaking a green project (n = 8;11%). Only 15 facilities (21%) made formal efforts to raise awareness of ES. CONCLUSION: This survey provides a baseline for practices that potentially impact the environmental sustainability of dialysis units in Victoria, Australia. It also identifies achievable targets for attention.