At Broxbourne Veterinary Centre, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. We recognise that the health of animals, humans, and the environment are inextricably linked, and that environmental degradation can negatively affect employee wellbeing, animal health and welfare, and public health. We acknowledge that our operations influence the environment through the use of raw materials, emissions, and waste generation. We are committed to the continual improvement of our environmental performance across our services, product recommendations, and operations, in line with environmental and professional legislation.

We aim to reduce the environmental impact of our clinical work and encourage more sustainable practices among clients, colleagues, and suppliers across all aspects of our business. We also aim to support our staff in developing their sustainability knowledge and applying it in our shared goal of creating a more sustainable practice.

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by:

1. Practising Responsible Resource Use

a. Reducing our consumption of energy, water, fuel, anaesthetic gases, paper, and other resources
b. Promoting and supporting sustainable travel where possible
c. Improving waste management by reducing overall waste, recycling where possible, and using materials with a lower environmental impact

2. Operating Sustainably

a. Reducing our use of single-use plastics, disposable items, and environmentally harmful chemicals
b. Prioritising the health and wellbeing of our employees
c. Promoting biodiversity within our surroundings
d. Working with suppliers and contractors who share sustainable goals

3. Using Medicines Responsibly

a. Promoting health plans and the responsible use of antimicrobials and parasiticides
b. Avoiding drug wastage and ensuring safe disposal
c. Utilising technology to sustainably enhance animal health and welfare

4. Encouraging and Empowering Our Team and Local Community

a. Creating a “green group” to lead sustainability projects and encourage the wider team
b. Sharing our sustainability journey with our clients and community

We will continue to strive for improvement by regularly reviewing our progress, setting measurable targets, and ensuring that the environmental impact of any decision remains a key consideration within our decision-making processes.