Our commitment to improving the lives of patients calls for protecting the planet we all share. That means confronting climate change and challenging ourselves to meet ambitious environmental goals.
Our priorities
2022 highlights
We continue to take action for a healthier world by reducing our environmental impact and working to mitigate material climate risks to the business.
SBTi approval
net-zero and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
76%
renewable electricity1
1 Purchased electricity matched with electricity from renewable sources, inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only.
We were one of the first medical device manufacturers to pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 in all manufacturing and key distribution sites (scopes 1 and 2). Using the Boston Scientific Global Energy Management System (GEMS)- developed by the Boston Scientific team in Galway, Ireland in collaboration with the University of Galway, we are on track to meet this goal. In 2021, Boston Scientific expanded our climate action goals by joining the United Nations Race to Zero and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.
As an important milestone in our journey to net-zero by 2050, our emission reduction targets were approved by the SBTi. This makes Boston Scientific one of the first companies in the Healthcare Equipment and Supplies sector to have net-zero, science-based scope 1, 2 and 3 targets approved under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. Through collaborations and partnerships with suppliers and customers we will work together to advance meaningful change for a healthier planet.
As of July 29, 2022, the Science Based Target 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 commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050 from a 2019 base year.
Near-Term Targets
Multinational U.S. healthcare and equipment supplies company Boston Scientific Corporation commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Boston Scientific Corporation also commits to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from Purchased Goods & Services, Capital Goods, Fuel & Energy-Related Activities, Upstream transportation & Distribution, and Business travel GHG emissions 55% per USD value added within the same timeframe.
Long-Term Targets
Boston Scientific Corporation commits 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. Boston Scientific Corporation also commits to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions 97% per USD value added within the same timeframe.
Driving towards decarbonization in Ireland
Every year we make progress on our path to decarbonisation. In 2021, we built on recent efficiency gains at our Galway, Ireland facility with an expansion of over 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space that is fully electrified and powered by renewable energy. Across three sites in Ireland, we expect to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2024.
The Galway expansion is part of a companywide strategy to move away from fossil fuel consumption to fully electrified heating systems incorporating energy efficient design and heat-pump technology. This electrification strategy is keeping us on course to meet or exceed 90% renewable energy (all sources) by 2027 and carbon neutrality by 2030.
UK National Healthcare Service moves towards net zero
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) aims to become the world’s first net-zero national health service, which requires significant collaboration with its suppliers. Our goal is to achieve net zero by 2050 in alignment with our companywide net-zero, science-based scope 1, 2 and 3 targets approved under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. Our Carbon Reduction Plan explains how we plan to reduce our green-house gas emissions for our operations in the UK**.
**Emissions relevant to Boston Scientific Limited here
Resources
Independent third-party verification data for scope 1 and 2 emissions, inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only
Explore our progress
Learn more about our environmental sustainability progress in 2022.
Our awards
Boston Scientific is proud to be recognised for our commitment and responsibility to people and the planet.
All data as of December 31, 2022 unless otherwise noted.