Measuring our progress

NHS Scotland is committed to becoming a sustainable health service — one that protects people, communities and the planet.

To do this, we don’t just set goals. We track our progress via our statutory sustainability reporting measures, and all NHS Scotland Boards have a duty to report on this annually. These annual Climate Emergency and Sustainability Reports became a national requirement in November 2022 for all of NHS Scotland’s Boards.

Published each year and publicly available, they show how NHS Scotland is progressing. They align with national policy and support wider legal duties for public bodies to report on emissions reduction and climate action.

What is measured?

The reports bring together a wide picture of sustainability across NHS Scotland and include measures such as:

  • Cutting carbon emissions from buildings, fleets and the way care is delivered
  • Reducing energy use and improving how each board runs their estate
  • Progress on how each board is supporting sustainable travel for staff, patients and communities
  • Delivering low-carbon care that improves health while reducing environmental impact
  • Reducing waste and using resources more wisely
  • Improving greenspaces across NHS Scotland sites to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services delivery.
  • Working with suppliers to reduce the supply chain impacts of goods and services
  • And information on preparing for climate change, so services remain safe and resilient.
The Balfour hospital healthcare facility is situated within a rural landscape, surrounded by green fields, rolling hills and a nearby village. The building overlooks open countryside, with farmland visible in the foreground and hills in the distance. The image highlights the connection between healthcare services, local communities and the natural environment in a rural setting.

The Balfour, NHS Orkney. A net-zero hospital

People stand and walk within a landscaped courtyard between modern healthcare buildings. Raised planting beds, young trees and accessible pathways create a green outdoor space within the hospital environment. The image highlights the integration of biodiversity, greenspace and wellbeing-focused design within healthcare estates.

Ecotherapy garden, NHS Fife. Designed to support patient recovery, wellbeing, and connection with nature.

Using data to make a meaningful difference

Statutory reporting is not just about data. It is how we turn ambition into action. Each report shows how NHS Scotland Boards are delivering the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy (2022–2026). It also tracks how we are working towards national targets, including becoming a net zero health service by 2040.

You can read more about our commitment to sustainability data reporting in our NHS Scotland Data Quality Strategy for Climate and Sustainability.