6 things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of clinical research trials

Clinical research trials are an essential way to advance medicine and develop treatments that can help people live longer, healthier lives. But they also come with a cost to the environment. Globally, clinical research trials are estimated to account for up to 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year – that’s equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of Belgium. 

The NHS has set an ambitious target to get to net zero emissions by 2045 – and reducing the environmental impact of clinical research trials has an important role to play in achieving this target. 

Of course, it’s essential that trials put patient and clinical need first, and lower-carbon trials must be accessible to diverse patient populations and geographies. The good news is that actions to reduce the environmental impact of clinical trials often provide direct benefits to patients, particularly in reducing the cost and time required to participate – actions which also improve accessibility. Whether you’re just starting to plan a clinical research trial or are already underway, here are six actions you can take to reduce its environmental impact.