BC Renal is turning commitment into action with its newly launched Planetary Health Strategy—a blueprint for embedding environmentally sustainable kidney care across the province. Developed by a diverse working group chaired by BC Renal medical lead in planetary health, Dr. Caroline Stigant, and including clinicians, patients, Indigenous leaders, and system partners, the strategy is the result of a year-long effort to translate values into meaningful change.
Rooted in the BC Renal Strategic Action Plan 2023-2028, planetary health is now a foundational principle that guides kidney care planning, delivery, and operations. The strategy emerged from a comprehensive environmental scan, a network-wide survey, and dialogue with clinicians, patients, and families. The goal is a coordinated, practical approach to climate mitigation and adaptation that supports health equity and resilience.
From Waste Reduction to Culture Shift
Fraser Health’s renal program exemplifies this shift. Already, their teams have eliminated over 1,500 kilograms of medical waste annually by switching to IV iron syringes, have removed the need for thousands of saline bags, and have diverted hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste through reusable bins. Even disinfection routines for water systems are being rethought—saving enough electricity annually to power an average Canadian home.
What’s special about this work is the significant kidney community enthusiasm and engagement that happened even before implementation – we have been gaining valuable insights and buy-in,” said Dr. Stigant. “Truly, change is best implemented together. We can all be proud of not only the approach our entire community has taken, but also the results that are increasingly evident.”
Strong Vision, Bold Targets
The strategy sets an ambitious target: a 40% reduction in kidney care–related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. But it’s not just about emissions. It’s also about changing culture. Education, engagement, and collaboration are central pillars. Health professionals are being supported to adopt environmentally sustainable kidney care practices, patients are seen as key partners, and procurement processes are shifting toward circular, low-carbon products.
The Planetary Health Strategy is not only a roadmap—it’s a collective achievement. It reflects the shared will of BC’s kidney care community to advance planetary health and improve care for both people and the planet.
