National Green Endoscopy Programme
The Green Endoscopy Programme brings together a range of initiatives to support NHS Scotland in reducing the environmental impact of endoscopy services. Taking a whole-systems approach, it considers clinical pathways, service models. Infrastructure, equipment, workforce practices and supporting processes to enable more sustainable, high-quality care.
Endoscopy is a vital diagnostic and therapeutic service, but it also one of the most resource-intensive areas of healthcare. Ranking as the third largest generator of waste in NHS hospitals, it involves significant energy consumption, reliance on single use plastics and high volume of clinical waste. These factors contribute substantially to carbon emissions and environmental harm.
Working in partnership with clinicians, sustainability leads and national organisations, the programme aims to:
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Reduce carbon emissions and waste across endoscopy services.
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Embed sustainability into clinical practice without compromising patient safety or quality.
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Support NHS Scotland's journey to net zero by rethinking how care is delivered for a healthier planet.
These initiatives include:
Actions for implementation - supported by detailed guidance, evidence and, where appropriate, measurement requirements to enable Health Boards to plan, deliver and demonstrate the local impact of change.
Actions for adoption - highlighting proven or emerging approaches that Boards and clinical teams may wish to consider, supporting local decision‑making without a requirement for formal measurement or reporting.
Case studies - showcasing where local initiatives have been successfully implemented, sharing best practice and learning from across NHS Scotland.
Resources - providing access to key publications, guidance documents and supporting materials that underpin the programme’s work and support implementation at both local and national levels.