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Healthier planet

Advancing science for more sustainable solutions to reduce our impact on the environment.

Leaf icon symbolizing sustainability

Why it matters

We work to minimise waste and reduce our carbon footprint across our value chain, while investing in sustainable solutions that benefit healthcare providers, patients, employees and communities. 

Our priorities

Confronting climate change

Guided by science, we are working to reduce emissions across our value chain to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Embedding product stewardship

We are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of our products throughout their entire life cycle — from design and sourcing to production, distribution and end of use.

Addressing water, waste and biodiversity

Across our sites, we implement sustainability initiatives and set goals to reduce waste and water usage, helping to create a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

Our progress in 2024

100%

renewable electricity at key manufacturing and distribution sites1

75%

of solid, non-hazardous waste recycled2

72%

real estate independently certified for energy efficiency3

Stories of impact

Boston Scientific employees smiling while taking a picture during a sustainability expertise meeting

Collaborating to build sustainability expertise

Boston Scientific is collaborating with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) to build sustainability expertise and explore new ways to deliver value for patients, customers and the planet.

Read more about how we collaborate on our net-zero journey
Two female physicians hang boston scientific's sustainability project materials on a wall

Boston Scientific pilots recycling solutions for single-use products in Germany

Boston Scientific piloted scope recycling services in Germany, working with partners to develop a local, compliant process across 15 hospitals.

Read more about the recycling pilot in Germany

Our path to net zero

In 2022, Boston Scientific became the first in the Healthcare Equipment and Supplies sector to receive Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for our net-zero emissions target by 2050—covering scopes 1, 2 and 3.4 We’re committed to measurable progress and transparent reporting.

Read more about our approach to emissions reduction

Infographic showing Boston Scientific’s key milestones to net zero emissions

 Key environmental sustainability initiatives

Logo for the Science Based Targets initiative.

As of July 29, 2022, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved the Boston Scientific science-based net-zero target and near- and long-term emission reduction targets:

Overall Net-Zero Target

Boston Scientific Corporation aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain by 2050 from a 2019 base year.

Near-Term Targets

Boston Scientific Corporation aims to reduce absolute scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. We also aim to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from:

  • Purchased Goods & Services
  • Capital Goods
  • Fuel & Energy-Related Activities
  • Upstream transportation & Distribution
  • Business travel (by reducing GHG emissions by 55% per USD value added within the same timeframe)

Long-Term Targets

Boston Scientific Corporation aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 97% per USD value added, equivalent to 90% absolute reduction, by 2050 from a 2019 base year. We also aim to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 97% per USD value added within the same timeframe.

In 2017, we became one of the first medical device manufacturers to pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 in all of our manufacturing and key distribution sites. This steady progress has been driven by our Global Energy Management System and our C3 strategy, which guides priorities and programs in the following areas:

  • Cut energy use – by investing in energy efficiency at our existing sites and new construction that meets the highest climate standards.
  • Convert – to renewable energy sources instead of relying on fossil fuels.
  • Compensate – with carbon credits and offset projects for remaining unavoidable emissions.

Learn more about our C3 strategy

Our Global Packaging and Labeling Sustainability team uses data to evaluate sustainable packaging materials, guide and quantify packaging sustainability improvements and support sustainable suppliers.

Our Global Packaging and Labeling Sustainability strategy focuses on:

  • Reducing the amount of material in packaging
  • Redesigning packaging for sustainability and supply chain efficiency
  • Improving recyclability of all packaging and using recycled content where possible
  • Responsibly sourcing packaging materials in collaboration with suppliers
  • Monitoring regulatory developments and advocating for sustainable packaging requirements

We have set a goal to reduce our scope 3 GHG emissions by 55% per U.S. dollar (USD) value added by 2030.5 Collaborating with suppliers across our global supply chain is key to understanding and implementing sustainability initiatives that can have the most impact across our global supply chain.

We approach supplier engagement with a focus on the following:

  • Identify top 80%6 of suppliers by emissions
  • Sharing sustainability best practices and supporting target setting and progress tracking
  • Pursuing abatement and reduction levers and discussing hotspot opportunities

We focus on driving more efficiency and sustainability in how our products are sourced, manufactured, packaged and distributed. This approach reduces resource consumption, lowers our carbon footprint and enhances supply chain efficiency. As a result, healthcare providers receive faster, more reliable product deliveries.

A woman wearing protective goggles and a hair covering looks into a microscope. Untitled design - bsc-physicians-talking

UK carbon reduction plan

In the UK, the National Health Service aims to become the world’s first net-zero national health service, which requires significant collaboration with its suppliers. Our carbon reduction plan explains how we plan to reduce our GHG for our operations in the UK.7

Read our UK carbon reduction plan

Explore more corporate responsibility resources

View our latest Performance Report
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  1. Includes renewable electricity generated onsite (e.g., solar) and purchased electricity matched with electricity attributed to renewable sources via energy attribute certificates (EACs) purchased through the open market, purchased through an energy provider, or associated with virtual Power Purchase Agreements.
  2. Inclusive of key manufacturing and distribution sites only
  3. Percentage of all Boston Scientific real estate (including commercial, leased and owned) that is independently certified for energy efficiency by industry leading bodies such as LEED for design and Energy Star or ISO 50001:2018 for building operations.
  4. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.
  5. Boston Scientific has a goal to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions intensity from Purchased Goods & Services, Capital Goods, Fuel & Energy-Related Activities, Upstream Transportation & Distribution, and Business Travel by 55% per USD value added by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Our GHG emissions intensity is calculated as units of carbon equivalent emitted per unit of gross profit.
  6. We identified the 80% using a spend-based carbon methodology.
  7. Emissions relevant to Boston Scientific Limited.