Category: Clinical Trial Units
Level: Silver
Author: King's College London & Cardiff University
The Impact: <p>Recution of energy consumption in off-site hosts and vendors</p>
Details
Laboratory spaces are known for their carbon intensity and as such it is important that CTUs consider the practices of off-site trial hosts and vendors when designing trials. While CTUs cannot control the operations of off-site hosts and vendors, they can provide recommendations. These include:
1. General lab good practice (turning off kit, lights, reducing consumable use).
2. Procurement recommendations which align with previous action.
3. Minimising air-changes and hours of operations of laboratories associated with trials
4. Sourcing of low-carbon energy where feasible.
5. Cold storage units are appropriately maintained (e.g. filters of ULT freezers are cleaned every 6-9 months, and seals are defrosted if opened regularly).
In time, CTUs may look to apply standards around sustainable facility operations in their contracting of off-site hosts and vendors.
