Research Sustainability

In October 2024, NBT became the first NHS Trust to sign the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. 

Developed by the UK research and innovation sector, the voluntary concordat represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

Clinical trials contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, with average carbon emissions generated per trial of almost 80 tonnes. This is equivalent to the average carbon footprint of one person in the UK for 13 years.

Positive actions NBT has already undertaken to drive sustainable research include:

• Research & Development (R&D) including sustainability as one of the two founding principles of its research strategy. This underpins all decision-making across R&D.
• Requiring that a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) is completed for all internally funded Research grant applications. This encourages researchers and innovators to plan and carry out their activities in an environmentally sustainable manner.

• Working on overarching policy to ensure that sustainability is included in all policies and procedures.