CVets operating theatre

CVETS Sustainability Policy

As both a business and a consumer, we acknowledge that we have an impact and influence on the environment in terms of the materials we use and the emissions and waste we generate.

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by continual improvement of our environmental performance in relation to our services, product recommendations and operations and in accordance with environmental and professional legislation and responsibilities. Our goal is to reduce the environmental impact of both our clinical work and as a consumer by upholding the principles of the circular economy - reduce/reuse/recycle and to encourage more sustainable practice amongst clients, colleagues and suppliers across all aspects of our business. We aim to enable our staff to develop their sustainability knowledge and apply it in our shared goal of creating a more sustainable practice.

Evaluating how we can further reduce our environmental impact

  1. Continued responsible resource use
    • Reducing our consumption of energy, water, fuel, anaesthetic gases, paper and other resources
    • Sourcing more environmental energy supply where applicable and available
    • Encouraging and supporting sustainable travel where possible
    • Improving waste management by reducing overall waste produced, recycling where possible and using materials with lower environmental impact where applicable

  2. Be more sustainable in our operation
    • Reducing our use of single use plastics, disposable items and ecotoxic chemicals
    • Prioritising the health and wellbeing of our employees
    • Promoting biodiversity in our surroundings
    • Evaluating the companies we use and working with suppliers/contractors with sustainable goals
    • Endeavouring to place larger orders less frequently

  3. Using medicines responsibly
    • Responsible use of antimicrobials and parasiticides in accordance with practice policy and current legislation and guidelines
    • Avoiding drug wastage and ensuring correct safe disposal in accordance with practice policy and current legislation and guidelines

  4. Encouraging and empowering our team and clients/local community
    • Green team - investigate/evaluate lead sustainability projects and encourage the wider team.
      - Tamzin Davey and Jiri Skrivan are nominated sustainability champions
    • Providing a free pet transportation service to and from the practice for our inpatients
    • Continued further improvement by regularly reviewing our progress and consider environmental impact in our decision-making processes