PPD Sustainability Solutions
Sustainability that supports health
At the PPD™ clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, our commitment to a healthier planet is rooted in our Mission. We recognize that planet health in inseparable from human health. That’s why we partner with sponsors, clinical trial sites and partners to deliver clinical trials optimized to aim to reduce the environmental impact while accelerating the path to better therapies.
Our culture of continuous improvement helps us manage risk, optimize and unlock opportunities through strategic collaborations that help our customers meet their sustainability goals — without compromising clinical excellence.
Clinical trial activity can produce 37.6–100 megatons of CO2e* – comparable to Sweden’s total annual fuel consumption.**
A climate commitment you can trust
In alignment with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C trajectory, Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with short-term goals validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. We’re acting now to make a difference.
Leading the way in sustainable trials
We are proud to be among the first clinical research organization (CRO) service providers to bring many sustainability-first innovations to the clinical research landscape:
- First to offer sustainable aviation fuel for clinical trial shipping
- 100% renewable electricity goal for all U.S., Canada and European sites by 2026
- “One Patient, One Tree” partnership with One Tree Planted
- Electric vehicle (EV) options for patient journeys
- First to offer algorithm-optimized investigator meetings to reduce emissions of in-person meetings
- First CRO services provider to launch a predictive carbon modeling tool for trial design
How we help you decarbonize your trials
CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) is a metric that compares the emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential, expressed as the equivalent amount of CO2 over a specific time period.
Our sustainability offerings span the full trial life cycle — from planning through execution — with measurable outcomes:
1. Clinical trials shipping
- Up to 75–80% reduction in emissions using sustainable aviation fuel
- Options for fully recyclable or reusable shippers to reduce dry ice and waste
2. Patient travel
- EVs, smarter flight choices and patient incentives
- Travel concierge support with reduced carbon options
3. Monitoring visits
- Emissions cut by assigning local clinical research associates (CRAs) and promoting train travel where feasible
4. Investigator meetings
- Site location optimization via proprietary modeling
- Average seven metric tons of CO₂e saved per meeting
5. Clinical site & laboratory utilities
- Targeting energy efficiency in HVAC and refrigeration systems
- Transitioning U.S. and EU sites to renewable energy
6. Kit wastage reduction
- Smart scanning to minimize expiry loss
- Kit simplification and in-house tools to prevent over-ordering and kit usage projections
7. Digital and decentralized trials
- Reducing travel by bringing trials closer — or directly — to patients
- Less burden, fewer emissions same scientific rigor
8. Carbon accounting
- End-to-end tracking from Phase I through commercialization
- Footprint assessments tailored to your trial activities
9. Carbon calculator leadership
- Supported the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition calculator
- First CRO services provider to launch a predictive carbon modeling tool for trial design
Let’s achieve your sustainability goals – together
As your trusted CRO solutions partner, we are uniquely integrating operational agility with scientific innovation to help our customers design and deliver trials that are better for patients, better for data integrity and better for the planet.
Contact us to learn how we can help you reduce emissions, simplify trial operations and lead with purpose
*7 SMI. Health Systems taskforce. sl : Sustainable Markets Initiative (sustainable-markets.org)
**European Commission Climate Action Progress Report 2024