Environmental Sustainability Policy

Sustainability Policy

Commitment Statement 

At Craig Robinson Vets Ltd, we are committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our veterinary practice. With two branches, and a dedicated team, we recognise our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide high-quality care for pets. Through responsible resource use, sustainable operations, and the careful handling of medicines and waste, we aim to support both the health of animals and the health of our planet. 

We pledge to continue to evaluate, improve, and take meaningful steps towards sustainability in our operations, with a focus on reducing our carbon footprint, conserving resources, and promoting environmental stewardship in all aspects of our work. 

Key Principles: 

Responsible Resource Use 

• We are committed to reducing our consumption of energy, water, and raw materials to ensure we minimize our environmental footprint. 
• We will prioritize the use of energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, low-energy equipment, and efficient heating and cooling systems. 
• Where possible, we will favour environmentally friendly products and materials for our daily operations, including medical supplies and cleaning products. 
• We will encourage staff to adopt resource-saving practices, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, minimizing paper usage, and using digital records. 

Responsible Use of Medicines 

• We are dedicated to using medicines, including antibiotics, vaccines, and other veterinary treatments, responsibly to avoid overuse and reduce environmental impact. 
• We will ensure all medicines are prescribed in line with best practice guidelines to minimize waste and prevent excess medication. 
• Expired or unused medicines will be handled and disposed of through approved, sustainable methods that prevent contamination of the environment. 

Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 

• Waste Reduction: We will minimize the amount of waste generated by our practice by implementing waste reduction strategies, including: 
  i. Reducing paper and plastic use through digital records and communication.
  ii. Reusing equipment and materials where safe and feasible.
  iii. Opting for products with minimal or recyclable packaging when possible.

• Recycling: We will ensure that recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and metals, are separated and processed correctly. We will provide designated recycling stations in both branches and train staff on proper waste segregation. 
• Clinical Waste Management: All clinical and medical waste will be disposed of in compliance with relevant legislation and environmental guidelines. We will use certified and sustainable disposal services to manage sharps, medications, and hazardous materials. 

Sustainable Procurement 

• We will consider environmental factors when selecting suppliers, prioritising those who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. 
• We will encourage our suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to environmental goals. 

Monitoring and Reporting 

Our sustainability policy will be reviewed annually, and adjustments will be made as necessary.