The importance of carbon-neutral websites during clinical trials
Carbon-neutral websites play a significant role in clinical trials by reducing the environmental impact of digital operations while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the research process. As clinical trials become more digitised, especially with the rise of decentralised trials and the use of digital health platforms, the carbon footprint of websites and digital infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
These considerations below can help guide you towards reducing your carbon footprint.
1. Web traffic and energy consumption
Clinical trial websites, especially those used for patient recruitment, data collection, or remote participation, generate significant web traffic. Hosting websites and platforms requires energy-intensive data centres, which contribute to carbon emissions. Carbon-neutral websites mitigate this by using data centres powered by renewable energy or through carbon offset programs.
By ensuring that websites used during clinical trials are designed, developed and hosted on sustainable platforms, you can significantly reduce the overall environmental footprint of the trial.
2. Increased digital engagement
Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) rely heavily on digital platforms for participant registration, consent forms, data submission, and telemedicine visits. With more participants engaging remotely, the reliance on web-based systems increases, making the energy efficiency of these systems crucial.
3. Sustainable data transfer
During DCTs, large volumes of data, including medical records and monitoring information from wearables, are transferred via the web. Carbon-neutral websites ensure that this process is environmentally responsible, helping reduce the overall emissions of the trial.
4. Patient recruitment and awareness
Clinical trial websites often serve as portals for patient recruitment, providing information about ongoing studies and eligibility criteria. These sites are typically accessed by thousands of users, including patients, clinicians, and researchers. Ensuring that these public-facing websites are carbon-neutral aligns the trial with sustainability goals and contributes to reducing the environmental impact. Read our blog about using e-consent to help achieve your goals.
5. Cost and resource efficiency
Sustainable web hosting solutions often focus on optimising energy use, which can lead to more efficient operations and lower long-term costs. Carbon-neutral websites are typically hosted by providers that prioritise energy efficiency, leading to better resource management during clinical trials.
6. Environmental reporting
Many clinical trial sponsors are increasingly including sustainability metrics in their trial reports. Using carbon-neutral websites allows them to document and report reduced digital emissions as part of their sustainability efforts, improving transparency and accountability.
Moving forward
Carbon-neutral websites are increasingly important during clinical trials due to the growing digital nature of the research process. By reducing the carbon footprint of websites used for recruitment, data collection, and participant engagement, clinical trial partners can contribute to broader sustainability efforts. In addition, carbon-neutral websites align with ethical responsibilities, all while helping the healthcare industry move toward a greener future.
