Mapping the flow of data in clinical trials and assessing its CO2 emissions

Healthcare contributes 5 percent to global carbon emissions, with clinical trials forming a significant part. The research mapped the flow of data from investigation sites to final trial documentation. Three main emission hotspots were identified: data analysis in a statistical environment, Trial Master File storage, and long-term data storage by external organizations. In the statistical environment, 100 to 125 terabytes of data were stored on four servers in Sweden, generating 80 to 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Emissions from Trial Master File storage were below measurable thresholds. The study concluded that emissions from clinical trial data storage and processing represent a small proportion and are unlikely to materially impact overall trial-related emissions.