The social impact of carbon reduction

We are committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045, focusing on reducing our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

However, our dedication goes beyond emissions reductions. We also invest in projects that create lasting social value and enrich people’s lives.

Since 2014, we have partnered with CO2balance on projects that mitigate carbon emissions while improving health and quality of life in developing nations. These projects are certified by the United Nations (UN) as Gold Standard projects, meaning they contribute to both environmental and social progress.

Between 2014 and 2023, the projects we support have impacted over 69,000 people and mitigated 64,935 tonnes of greenhouse gases. This balances the emissions related to the production and use of our CT, MR, X-ray, and ultrasound systems, as well as our operational Scope 1 and 2 emissions, business travel and waste.

Providing energy efficient stoves in Kenya

SDG Contributions

In Kenya, over 70% of the population relies on traditional cooking methods that use biomass fuel. This has significant negative consequences for women, children, and the environment:

• Exposure to indoor air pollution from burning wood can lead to respiratory, eye, and other health issues
• Collecting firewood is time-consuming, limiting the ability to engage in income-generating activities, with children often missing school to help
• Unsustainable firewood harvesting leads to deforestation and environmental degradation, exacerbating fuel scarcity

Better cookstoves change lives

Addressing these issues requires promoting and transitioning communities onto clean cooking technologies.

Our partnership with CO2balance provides efficient cooking stoves across Kenya, lowering indoor air pollution and reducing fuel consumption by up to 50%. This reduction in fuel usage means women and children spend less time collecting firewood, freeing up time for children to attend school regularly and for women to establish small businesses, enhancing economic and educational opportunities in their communities.

Efficient stoves are distributed to households, while community groups receive education to ensure proper and safe use tailored to local contexts. This project embodies our mission to enrich every life we touch.

Providing fresh and clean water in Uganda

Around 81% of Uganda’s population lacks access to safe drinking water, with rural areas being the most affected. Families often travel long distances to collect water, which even after boiling can still be unsafe to drink. This lack of access contributes to widespread waterborne diseases, which are a leading cause of death and disease in the country.

While it is common practice for families to boil water to make drinking water safe, this comes with challenges:

● Inconsistent boiling reduces effectiveness of sterilisation
● Additional fuel usage contribute to deforestation
● Indoor stove use increases indoor air pollution, contributing to health conditions
● The burden of sourcing fuel usually falls on women and children

Rehabilitating boreholes

One of the most effective ways to address this issue is by rehabilitating boreholes that provide clean, safe drinking water. We support a project that oversees the rehabilitation of broken-down boreholes in five districts in Uganda’s northern and eastern regions. These areas were heavily impacted by conflicts that displaced over 2 million people and destroyed the water infrastructure.

As people return, access to clean water provides numerous benefits to the community:

● Removes the need to boil water to make it safe to drink
● Reduces the need for firewood
● Reduces indoor air pollution
● Reduces greenhouse gas emissions released
● Increases available time for women to engage in income-generating activities
● Increases available time for children to attend school

This project also supports communities in forming Water Resource Committees (WRC) and carrying out basic maintenance on the boreholes. WRC members also lead the community in protecting the area around the borehole to ensure it does not become damaged or contaminated.