Life Sciences & Net Zero: Charting a Sustainable Path

Healthcare also contributes to a significant proportion of global waste; for example, NHS England generates 156,000 tonnes of waste per year ⁷. This environmental concern extends to the pharmaceutical industry as well. This year, the government established the Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group (PiE), a cross-government platform created to identify potential pharmaceutical contributors entering the environment and discuss their unintended consequences. It is increasingly apparent that the quality of our health depends on the health of our planet and the ecosystems we live in - patient and planet health are intertwined ^{8, 9, 10}.

Facing the Task Ahead

Clinical trials, a mechanism for introducing new medications and other interventions to the market, are a crucial element of the healthcare value chain. In 2021, there were 350,000 clinical trials registered globally. These accounted for 27.5 million tonnes of CO₂ ¹¹ and significant waste, with up to 50% of clinical supplies never used ^{12, 13}. This highlights the urgent need for environmentally sustainable practices within the industry. Reducing waste and carbon emissions in clinical trials aligns with global sustainability goals and enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare research.

In 2023 the number of clinical trials has risen to 454,000 and is set to increase , with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 5.8% - doubling in value by 2030 to be worth £61.3 billion . The growth of clinical trials is driven by technological advances, increasing R&D investments and a growing population, coupled with improved identification of infectious and rare diseases. As the market grows, the challenges compound and will lead to an even more significant environmental burden.