Valley Vets Sustainability Policy
Valley Vets recognise that all businesses have an impact on the environment in a variety of different ways. As such we are committed to the continual improvement of our environmental performance in relation to our services and operations.
Valley Vets recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. We will encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.
Responsible Resource Use
· Reduce Fossil Fuel Use
o We will seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
o Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use. Wherever possible we will use automatic light controls operated on movement sensors.
o The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing.
· Segregate and Dispose of waste appropriately, reducing/reusing/recycling where possible
o We will perform annual waste audits
o We will segregate waste appropriately to reduce the volume of incinerated clinical waste
o We will recycle where possible and improve team awareness of recycling methods at the practice
· Reduce disposable materials
o Encourage the use of cloth surgical hats
o Replace shoe covers with theatre shoes
o Use reusable textile gowns when suitable
o Use reusable cloth hand towels when using traditional scrub techniques.
· Ensure responsible paper sourcing, use and disposal
o We will minimise the use of paper in the office and by communicating with our clients digitally where possible.
o We will reduce packaging as much as possible.
o We will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
o We will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.
Sustainability in our Operations
· Ensure compliance with environmental legislation
· Use evidence based infection control measures and minimise use of eco-toxic chemicals
o Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
· Minimise greenhouse gas impacts of anaesthetic agents
o We will not use nitrous oxide
o We will use lower flow techniques where possible
o We will use volatile agent sparing drugs and techniques
· Promote Animal Welfare
o We will use stress free handling techniques
o We will use pain scoring tools
o We will encourage preventative health care
o We offer nurse clinics such as weight clinics
· Travel policy to reduce emissions from business travel and commuting
o We will promote the use of lift sharing when car travel is needed.
o We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles.
o We will encourage public transport use for travel to CPD/training events.
o We will encourage efficient appointment bookings to reduce the number of trips to the practice e.g. medication checks at time of booster vaccination
o We will offer the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme to our team
· Reduce carbon emissions from conferences, team meetings and education
o We will encourage attendance at conferences/CPD virtually where possible
o We will hold practice meetings by video call where appropriate
Use Medicines more Sustainably
· Practise responsible antimicrobial and parasticide usage to mitigate resistance
o We will commit to the BVA Protect Scheme for antibiotic stewardship and implement our antibiotic usage policy.
o We will implement a practice policy for the responsible use of parasiticides.
· Avoid drug waste through good stocking principles
· Dispose of drugs correctly to avoid ecotoxicity
Culture
· We will involve the team in the implementation of this policy by formation of a ‘Green Group’, for greater commitment and improved performance.
· We will actively promote team wellbeing and development
This environmental policy will be displayed at all times and is openly available to all members of the public.
The introduction and implementation of this policy is a commitment of Valley Vets’ management and a shared responsibility with our employees. Lauren Evans has designated responsibility for day-to-day implementation of this policy.
The policy will be reviewed annually as part of the organisations overall environment management plan.
Lauren Evans
Senior Clinical Director
