Sustainability at UK Kidney Week
Driving Sustainability in Kidney Care: A Focus at UK Kidney Week 2025
The UK Kidney Association (UKKA) is committed to promoting sustainability within the kidney community. At the upcoming UK Kidney Week (UKKW) 2025 conference, from 10 – 12 June at the Bournemouth International Centre, sustainability will be a central theme. Sustainability in the UK kidney community is guided by the UKKA Sustainable Kidney Care Committee, established to significantly reduce the environmental impact of kidney care by setting ambitious targets for decarbonisation and minimising other ecological footprints.
Sustainability-Focused Sessions at UK Kidney Week
UKKW 2025 will feature several sessions dedicated to sustainability in kidney care. These sessions aim to address the environmental challenges within nephrology and explore solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of kidney care. While the detailed programme is still being finalised, attendees can expect discussions on:
- Green Nephrology Initiatives: Exploring practices that reduce environmental impact in kidney care.
- Sustainable Practices in Dialysis: Innovations aimed at conserving water and energy in dialysis treatments.
- Global Collaborations for Eco-Friendly Kidney Care: Sharing international perspectives and strategies for sustainable nephrology.
UKKA Sustainable Kidney Care Committee Initiatives
The UKKA’s Sustainable Kidney Care Committee plays a pivotal role in driving these efforts. In collaboration with partners such as Greener NHS, the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH), and Health Innovation North-East and North Cumbria, the committee has launched the Net Zero Kidney Care initiative. This pioneering project aims to embed sustainability in kidney care, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices across all kidney centres in the UK. A key objective of the Committee is to appoint sustainability champions in every kidney centre to lead and advocate for green practices. The initiative also seeks to save costs and improve patient care by implementing sustainable solutions.
Eco-Friendly Conference Practices
In line with its commitment to sustainability, UK Kidney Week 2025 is implementing several eco-conscious measures:
- #NoFlyNephrology Campaign: Encouraging attendees to choose low-carbon travel options, with resources provided by RouteZero to facilitate sustainable travel planning.
- Sustainable Venue Collaboration: The Bournemouth International Centre is dedicated to environmental responsibility, featuring renewable energy usage, energy and water conservation efforts, a living roof, LED lighting and comprehensive recycling programs.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: The conference utilises digital signage where possible. Any necessary printed materials are produced on FSC-certified paper by companies committed to carbon-neutral operations and powered by renewable energy. Large-scale graphics will be printed using recyclable inks on recyclable materials such as correx or fabric, avoiding non-recyclable vinyl.
- Waste Reduction Initiatives: To minimise waste, the event prohibits flyering and encourages exhibitors to adopt similar sustainable practices.
Join the Movement
By participating in UK Kidney Week 2025, you contribute to a collective effort to advance kidney care while prioritising environmental sustainability. Your involvement supports the integration of eco-friendly practices within the nephrology community, ensuring a healthier future for both patients and the planet!
Register now for UKKW 2025 and be part of the sustainable transformation in kidney care