Charnwood Veterinary Centre – Environmental Policy Statement
Charnwood Veterinary Centre recognises that its activities have an environmental impact and accepts responsibility for reducing this. We are committed to improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy.
This is fully compatible with our core objectives of improving animal health and welfare and protecting human health.
Responsibility
The Partners are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, however all employees have a responsibility to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.
Policy Aims
We endeavour to;
- Comply with all regulatory requirements
- Continually improve environmental performance
- Continually improve and reduce our environmental impact
- Increase employee awareness
Action plan for 2025-26
Paper and Office Supplies
We will source paper and stationery made from recycled material or from FSC certified sources.
Staff are encouraged to consider carefully whether documents require printing or can be processed by electronic means.
Printer cartridges are to be sent for recycling; recycled cartridges will be purchased where these are of sufficient quality.
Energy
We will seek to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint by:
Ensuring that the energy consumption of appliances is considered when purchasing/replacing.
Maintaining the heating system and appliances to ensure efficient functioning.
Action Taken 2025
Heating system has been replaced with heat pump which is predicted to reduce consumption by 40%.
Progressively replacing lights with LEDs.
As electric items deteriorate e.g. computer screens, they are replaced with those that are more energy efficient.
Action Taken 2025
We recently upgraded our x-ray processor with a more energy efficient model.
Consideration will be given to changing to a renewable energy tariff when our current electricity contract ends.
Transportation
We will endeavour to minimise the environmental impact of the practice use of vehicles.
Practice vehicles will be serviced and maintained regularly to minimise emissions.
When practice vehicles are replaced fuel economy and emissions will be considered, including the potential suitability of electric
vehicles.
We will wherever possible plan farm and home visits in such a way that milage is minimised.
When on practice business staff will be expected to drive carefully and in a manner which minimises fuel consumption.
When travelling away from the surgery to e.g. CPD or training courses, public transport should be used where possible or car sharing if more than one staff member is travelling.
Waste reduction and recycling
Staff must segregate waste carefully and in full compliance with legislative requirements.
Staff are trained to recognise the different categories of waste produced in the practice.
Clinical and pharmaceutical waste must be segregated, stored and disposed of correctly, but staff should take reasonable care to
avoid including uncontaminated waste eg cardboard packaging which could be disposed of by recycling.
Cardboard, plastics, metal cans and paper are collected in designated bins for weekly collection. Confidential waste is shredded before recycling.
Action Taken 2025
Introduction of plastic recycling bin.
Batteries are collected separately and recycled via retailers.
