Environmental Policy

Energy and Water

• We will seek to reduce the amount of energy used at the practice as much as possible.
• We have changed our lighting to more energy- efficient LED lights with motion sensors and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use .The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing.

Paper

• We will minimise the use of paper in the office and by communicating with our clients digitally where possible.
• We use high quality office paper with enviromental certifications, sourced from wood harvested in sustainably managed forests. 
• We will reduce packaging as much as possible.
• We use recycled paper medication envelopes and bags. 
• We seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
• We reuse and recycle all paper where possible.

Office Supplies

• We will evaluate if the need can be met in another way.
• We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase.
• We will favor more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
• We will reuse and recycle everything we are able to.

Transportation  

• We favor ‘green’ vehicles and maintain them to ensure ongoing efficiency.
• We have installed two electric charging points at our premises.
• We have an electric van as well as two electric company vehicles for staff use. 

Grounds 

• Of course we will always care for your pets, butit is evident there is a growing need to care for wild animals too, it makes sense to us that we also need to protect the world that our animals live in. 
• We will provide a safe space for wildlife with our own Wildlife Garden, providing cover, plants and water for all types of small animals, insects and birds.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Cleaning materials used at the practice will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• Materials used in the refurbishment of our practice will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.

Chemical Use reduction for Ground Maintinance 

• All gardeners, groundskeepers, and external contractors engaged by the practice are made aware of our commitment to Chemical Reduction: The practice requires that: 
• Synthetic weed killers, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers are minimised or if possible avioded 
• Organic, non-toxic, and enviromentally responsibile alternatives are used wherever possible. 
• Natural pest control methods are prioritised, including encouraging beneficial insects and wider biodiversity. 
• Garden and grounds management supports long-term soil health and ecological balance. 

Monitoring and Improvement

• We will comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• We will continually improve and monitor our environmental performance.
• We will continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• We will incorporate environmental factors into our business decisions.
• We will work hard to increase employee awareness through regular training.
• We will review this policy and any related business issues at our management meetings.

Stock

• Where possible the practice will stock green pet products. Leads, collars, toys, and bowls can all be made from recycled and eco-friendly materials.
• We will stock and sell biodegradable pet waste bags as an alternative to plastic.
• We will endeavor to encourage clients to use eco-friendly products for their pets.

Culture

• We will involve all members of the team in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
• We will update this policy at least once annually in consultation with the team where necessary.
• We will provide the team at Wangford veterinary Clinic with relevant environmental training.
• We will work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance.
• We will use local labor and materials where available to reduce CO2 and help the local community.