Environmental Policy - Greater Springfield Veterinary

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

PURPOSE

Greater Springfield Veterinary recognises that climate change poses a critical threat to the animals we love and need; wildlife, livestock and companion animals. See the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report.

In alignment with the value ‘Care for the World – Take the Long-Term View’, Greater Springfield Veterinary is dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability across our hospitals.

Our team is committed to minimising carbon emissions, waste production and water usage.

Greater Springfield Veterinary owner and director Dr Jeannet Kessels has been instrumental in founding and Chairing Vets for Climate Action, which has in turn established the Climate Care Program, in which Greater Springfield Veterinary are active participants.

As members of the Australian Veterinary Association, Greater Springfield Veterinary endorses the AVA policy on Climate Change and Animal Health, Welfare and Production.

Greater Springfield Veterinary supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (#6,7,8,11,13,15).

This policy outlines Greater Springfield Veterinary’s commitment to sustainability, setting forth measurable goals to assess and minimise environmental impact.

CARBON EMMISIONS:

Goal: To achieve carbon neutral status for Springfield Veterinary Hosptial by March 2024. To decrease carbon emissions at all locations by 20% by 2027. *Figures are based on baseline 2022 calendar year.

Action Steps:

Implement energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Regularly monitor and maintain equipment to ensure optimal efficiency.
Reduce use of isoflurane anaesthetic gas by 50%.
Switch to 100% of electricity supply from onsite solar and/or from 100% Green Energyelectricity retailers.
Reduce waste to landfill by 60% through reducing stock consumption, advocating for decreased packaging from suppliers and maximising recycling opportunities.
Encouraging staff to transition to electric vehicles and the provision of EV charging station at Springfield Hospital.

WASTE MANAGEMENT:

Goal: Reduce waste sent to landfill by 60% by December 2023.

Action Steps:

Refuse unnecessary sources such as excessive product packaging, paper marketing material and plastic bags wherever possible.
Reduce consumption of paper by maximising paperless alternatives.
Reduce use of all stock by maintaining appropriate stocking levels to avoid waste, using stock mindfully and not excessively and by reusing items where appropriate.
Encourage the use of reusable products, such as cloth towels and refillable containers.
Distil own water to reduce purchase of single use plastic drums.
Reuse empty medication bottles and encourage clients to return medication bottles for reuse.
Implement a recycling station for clients to recycle pet food bags.
Properly segregate and dispose of hazardous waste in compliance with regulations.
Explore partnerships with waste management companies to optimise diversion of waste from landfill to recycling streams.

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT:

Goal: To source veterinary products and office supplies with the highest environmental sustainability credentials, prioritising products that are certified carbon neutral. Greater Springfield Veterinary aims to have conducted a procurement audit and reassessed our supply chain by December 2023.

Action Steps:

Prioritise suppliers that offer products with zero carbon products, zero carbon delivery and 100% compostable or recyclable packaging.
GVSETs will require all suppliers to answer a short questionnaire regarding their strategy towards zero carbon.
Purchase only 100% recycled, carbon neutral paper products where available.
Choose products with minimal packaging and those made from recycled or compostable materials.
Consider the lifecycle impact of products, from production to disposal, before making procurement decisions.
Advocate for multinational animal health companies set timely goals on achieving carbon neutrality.
Advocate our financial services providers to cease investing in fossil fuels.

WATER CONSERVATION:

Goal: to reduce the water consumed by each full-time employee equivalent by 25% by December 2023.

Action Steps:

Fit flow restrictors to all taps.
Monitor for and fix all leaks promptly.
Reduce water usage in the cleaning of surgical instruments.
Reduce use of bedding to minimise washing whilst maintaining comfort.
Repair and use water tank at SVH.
Use water wisely in gardens.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Goal: Participate in a minimum of three local environmental initiatives or educational events annually.

Action Steps:

Collaborate with local organisations to organise our staff to deliver seminars or workshops on animal and environmental welfare.
Participate in community clean-up events to demonstrate our commitment to a cleaner environment
Engage in partnerships with local conservation organizations to support regional environmental projects such as revegetation projects.
Continue to engage with and advocate for Vets for Climate Action and the Climate Care Program.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND MONITORING:

Goal: Regularly review and update Greater Springfield Veterinary’s environmental policy and goals to stay aligned with emerging best practices and technologies.

Action Steps:

Conduct annual environmental audits to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Seek input from staff members on potential sustainability initiatives and improvements.
Stay informed about advancements in sustainable veterinary practices through ongoing training and industry research.