Advancing dialysis technology to reduce the impact on global warming.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Healthcare significantly impacts global warming, with nephrology and dialysis being major contributors. This has led to the emergence of the green dialysis movement. However, literature summarizing recent advances and providing clear implementation frameworks remains limited.

RECENT FINDINGS: In this narrative review, we explore interventions that reduce the global footprint of dialysis. Through the conceptual framework of the Six W's of Sustainable Dialysis, we aim to facilitate the implementation of green dialysis initiatives by improving knowledge and raising awareness. These include the dialysis population (who?), dialysis modality (what?), in-hospital or home-dialysis (where?), water, waste, and energy consumption (watts). Innovative, sustainable interventions and resource management greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are still important barriers to implementation.

SUMMARY: Sustainable dialysis offers an opportunity to align kidney care with broader environmental goals, thereby benefiting both the environment and individuals living with chronic kidney disease.