Integrating ESG into clinical trials through carbon footprint assessment as a core metric : lessons from the Vietnarms trial in a low-and middle-income country (LMIC) context | |
| Author | Nguyen Thi Hong Phuc |
| Call Number | AIT Proj. no.PM-ESG-26-10 |
| Subject(s) | Environmental Management--Vietnam Greenhouse gases--Vietnam Social responsibility of business--Vietnam Sustainable development--Vietnam |
| Note | A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Professional Master in ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Clinical trials contribute to the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, yet evidence from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. This study quantified the carbon footprint of the VIETNARMS clinical trial conducted in Vietnam using the NIHR Enabling Lower Carbon Clinical Trials framework, adapted to the local context. The objectives were to estimate total emissions, identify major emission drivers, examine the influence of LMIC-specific conditions and explore implications for more sustainable trial design. Total emissions were estimated at 397.31 tonnes CO₂e over the five-year trial period, equivalent to approximately 615 kg CO₂e per participant. Emissions were highly concentrated in travel-related activities and operational energy use. Staff travel accounted for 62.3% of total emissions, with international conference travel alone contributing nearly 30% of the overall footprint. Electricity and energy use accounted for 23.4% of emissions, with totals sensitive to the higher carbon intensity of Vietnam's electricity grid. In contrast, laboratory procedures, consumables and freight contributed relatively small shares. Comparison with published studies indicates that travel dominance is consistent with international findings, while energy contributions are strongly shaped by local infrastructure. The results demonstrate that environmental performance in clinical trials is influenced by governance structures, healthcare system organisation and international collaboration patterns. This study provides context-specific evidence for LMIC settings and highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into clinical trial planning and governance. |
| Year | 2026 |
| Type | Project |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Professional Master in Environment, Social & Government Managment (PMESG) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shah, Faiz H. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ransom, Lakeesha K.;Brubaker, Richard |
 | |