Scottish health boards have pledged to a number of net zero ambitions – including the establishment of net zero, or “Green Theatres.” Theatres are high carbon and energy intensive areas, which also produce high volumes of waste. The opportunities for carbon and waste reduction in this area of the healthcare service are significant and include:

• Reduction in the use of anaesthetic gases with high global warming impacts
• Improved surgical fluid suction and disposal practices
• Waste reduction and improved waste segregation
• Increasing energy efficiency within theatres

NHS Grampian’s Net Zero Theatre Group will oversee and develop the strategic and operational plans for the establishment of Net Zero Theatres, working with a wide range of stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.