As a veterinary group, we’re proud to be taking steps to become more environmentally responsible and do our bit for the planet. Collectively, small changes can have a big impact!
Our veterinary activities, services and operations all contribute to our environmental and carbon footprint, so we’ve been working behind the scenes to introduce a new sustainability policy in line with Vet Sustain’s Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist.
Through the implementation of this policy, we aim to encourage wide reaching participation in an effort to reduce our impact, whilst upholding the highest standards of animal health, welfare and clinical care for our patients.
We’re doing our bit for a greener future
By the end of 2025, we hope to have reduced our carbon emissions across our four practices by 10%. We are committed to this journey of continual improvement by:
Promoting and practising responsible resource use
- Calculating our carbon footprint
- Monitoring key resources, such as electricity and water, and setting targets for reduction
- Reducing the use of disposable materials
- Making sustainable choices when purchasing equipment and consumables
- Reviewing and optimising waste management and, where possible, implementing the 3Rs – Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
Being sustainable in our day-to-day work
- Reducing carbon emissions by ensuring staff only travel between branches when necessary
- Reviewing anaesthetic gas use and setting targets for reduction
- Encouraging responsible use of and disposal of medicines
- Using evidence-based infection control measures and minimising use of eco-toxic chemicals
- Supporting environmentally responsible and welfare-friendly animal care amongst clients and the wider community
Using medicines responsibly
- Promoting and practicing responsible use of medicines
- Avoiding wastage through careful stock control
- Encouraging appropriate disposal of medicines among staff and clients
Empowering our team
- Creating a team of sustainability champions
- Conveying this sustainability policy to all members of the team and encouraging participation
- Accessing sustainability-focused forums and CPD
As veterinarians, we have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of animals, including taking steps to protect the environment many live in. While there will be many more ways we can and will continue to improve, we hope this to be a significant milestone in our journey to operating more sustainably.
