A smiling Boston Scientific volunteer holds two plants in front of the camera.

Healthier planet

We confront climate change and protect the environment to enable people to live healthier lives. 

Why it matters

When we take action to reduce our carbon footprint and invest in efforts to build a sustainable, resilient business, we bring value to our customers, patients, communities and planet.

Our priorities

Our path to net zero

We are taking actions and making investments across our entire value chain to reduce our carbon footprint and address climate change.

Embedding product stewardship

Through life cycle assessments, material improvements and supplier collaboration we strive to minimize the environmental impacts of our products.

Addressing water, waste and biodiversity

By measuring waste and water use, setting goals and integrating sustainable practices, we work to minimize our operational impact and support a healthy ecosystem. 

Managing climate risk

We conduct regular qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, and use the results to make decisions that are better for the environment and our global supply chain.

2023 highlights

82%

renewable electricity1,2

72%

real estate independently certified for energy efficiency3

77%

of solid, non-hazardous waste recycled1

1 Inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only.

2 Includes renewable electricity generated onsite and purchased electricity matched with electricity from renewable sources.

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.

Stories of impact

Aerial photograph shows a large solar power plant supplying renewable energy near Seville.

PATH TO NET ZERO

First European virtual power purchase agreement sparks progress toward net-zero goals

The start of our 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) in Europe marks a meaningful step in the company’s progress toward our goal to achieve carbon neutrality across manufacturing and key distribution sites by 2030. Launched in 2023, electricity from a newly constructed solar power plant near Seville, Spain, will flow to the European power grid, matching approximately 80% of our European electricity consumption.

Find out more about our VPPA
A row of heat pumps installed for energy efficiency is pictured against a blue sky.

PATH TO NET ZERO

Zero-gas transition completed in Kerkrade

In 2022, our Kerkrade team began the conversion to a zero-natural gas facility, installing heat pumps that are far more energy-efficient than fossil fuel-fired boilers. In 2023, we completed the transition across the campus.

Read more about our path toward net zero

Our path to net zero

In 2022, Boston Scientific was first in the Healthcare Equipment and Supplies sector to gain approval from Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for our target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. We focus on making measurable, meaningful advances and will continue to report on our progress . Our SBTi-approved targets for net-zero GHG emissions encompass scopes 1, 2 and 3. Read more about our approach to emissions reduction.

A triangle graphic shows the progress from the beginning of the Boston Scientific climate journey in 2017 into the future.

Key environmental sustainability initiatives

Read more about how we’re contributing to a healthier planet

View 2023 Performance Report