With its forward-looking strategic plan, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is actively prioritising environmental sustainability – recognising it as a necessity. Given the link between cardiovascular disease and overall public health, the ESC sees itself as bearing a particular responsibility.
By 2028, the ESC aims to achieve the following goals:
- Appoint an environmental officer to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan for the ESC
- Achieve carbon neutrality
- Prioritise education on sustainability in cardiovascular healthcare
- Collaborate on sustainability initiatives with national cardiac societies
- Actively engage with industry, regulators, and healthcare providers on sustainability in cardiovascular practice
- Prioritise environmental considerations in research funding
- Publish an official scientific position paper on sustainability and the environmental impact of cardiovascular care
With this clear roadmap, the ESC positions itself as a driving force for environmental responsibility in the healthcare sector. Integrating medical progress with sustainable action is no longer optional – it is a responsibility towards patients, future generations, and the planet.
This strategic shift offers an opportunity for all stakeholders in the sector – from professional societies and industry to service providers – to rethink and realign their approaches.
Full strategy (PDF):
