Environmental
Sustainability

We’re taking the long term view.

People. Purpose. Planet.

We’re dedicated to minimising our carbon footprint. 

Our Commitment

Incorporating a commitment to sustainability into one of our core values; ‘Take the long term view’ has helped to guide decisions, policies, and actions, ensuring we play our part in safeguarding our environment, and the animals that live in it, everyday.

Climate Care Team

Our Climate Care Team, pioneered by Dr Annaliese Johnson, are an innovative and dedicated group committed to promoting eco-conscious practices within our business, and beyond.

Making Our Mark

Our efforts in forging the way to become a certified carbon neutral business has led to community recognition. 

Our Climate Care Team were deserving winners of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce ‘Environmental Award’ in 2023.

Green Energy

Greater Springfield Veterinary is committed to an environmentally responsible approach to energy consumption. So far we have: 

  • Installed solar panels at two hospitals, covering a significant portion of electricity needs.
  • Utilised LED lights in all three hospitals.
  • Implemented energy-saving settings and protocols for devices, including air conditioning, computers, and printers.
  • Regularly maintained and cleaned air conditioning units to ensure efficient operation.
  • Transitioned to 100% GREEN POWER at Springfield and Eden’s Crossing (provider – Diamond Energy).
  • Reduced the number of fridges in use.
  • Provided an EV charging station at our Springfield Hospital.

Reducing Water Usage

We are committed to minimising our water consumption. We’ve made significant progress, achieving a remarkable 25% reduction in 2023, through several eco-conscious practices:

  • Implementing flow restrictors on all taps to optimise water flow.
  • Employing a full-load policy for washing machines to maximise efficiency.
  • Maximising the use of water storage tanks at Springfield Hospital.
  • Utilising the half-flush option in toilets whenever appropriate.
  • Enforcing a protocol for veterinarians to turn off taps during hand scrubs for surgical procedures.
  • Implementing a water recycling system for safe and sustainable wastewater reuse.

Reducing Waste

We are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact by taking significant steps to reduce waste. This has resulted in an impressive 58% reduction in the total amount of waste, measured by weight, sent to landfills, by us. We’ve established a comprehensive recycling program to segregate and recycle materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, and glass, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills as well as:

  • Implemented a composting system for organic waste.
  • Conduct regular waste audits to identify areas where waste can be minimised and assess compliance.
  • Work with suppliers to reduce excess packaging for products and supplies.
  • Encourage the use of reusable and washable supplies

Carbon Neutral

Our Springfield Hospital location is officially CARBON NEUTRAL!

Greater Springfield Veterinary Group will continue to identify and implement sustainable practices in order to reduce our environmental footprint.

Our goal is not only to meet standards but to exceed them, setting new benchmarks and leading the way for other veterinary businesses around the world.

Greenfleet Partnership

We have partnered with Greenfleet, a non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to restoring our forests, to offset our carbon emissions. Since 1997, they have planted more than 10.3 million native trees across 550 forests in Australia and New Zealand. 

With Carbon Neutral status at our Springfield Hospital, and our Augustine Heights and Edens Crossing Hospitals well on their way to becoming Carbon Neutral, Greater Springfield Veterinary Group will continue taking steps towards becoming more sustainable hospitals to reduce our impact on the environment.

We only have one world – let’s take care of it together 🌏

Sustainable Salons Partnership

We are the first Veterinary business in QLD to partner with Sustainable Salons – a social enterprise that diverts waste (primarily in the hair and beauty industry) that would have otherwise gone to landfill, including:

  • Pet Hair which gets turned in to hair booms (to absorb oil after marine spills) and fertiliser.
  • All plastics – hard plastics, soft plastics, PVC fluid bags etc which get turned into products like dog leads or glasses frames.
  • Paper and cardboard which gets recycled and turned into new paper and cardboard products.
  • Glass & Metal which are sold for recycling.
  • E-waste which then gets recycled and turned in to new products.

Down to Earth Partnership

With over 50 dedicated staff members, it’s no surprise that we often find ourselves inundated with cans and bottles. In 2021, we partnered with Down to Earth Worldwide, an incredible not-for-profit organisation that recycles empty cans and bottles. They use the funds generated to prepare healthy and nourishing meals for people experiencing homelessness or vulnerable situations across Ipswich, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast areas. 

Vets for Climate Action Partnership

Greater Springfield Veterinary has partnered with Vets for Climate Action. Similar to human healthcare, veterinary practice consumes significant energy and chemicals while generating substantial waste. However, many veterinary teams aspire to be environmentally sustainable, but workplace constraints hinder their efforts.

Vets for Climate Action, a group of veterinary professionals, aims to bridge this gap. They have developed an educational program that facilitates environmental sustainability within veterinary practices. This program, accessible to various team members, including vets, vet nurses, managers, owners, receptionists, and students, encourages participants to become “Climate Champions.” These champions work collaboratively to implement changes that enhance environmental sustainability, focusing on key areas like water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, ethical procurement, and minimising the environmental impact of healthcare practices.

Royal Canin Partnership

Greater Springfield Veterinary  is actively participating in the Royal Canin Recycling Program. At all three of our hospital locations, you’ll find dedicated ‘collection boxes’ conveniently placed in the reception areas.
 
We encourage our clients to contribute to this initiative by bringing in their clean, empty Royal Canin and Eukanuba wet pouches as well as dry food bags and depositing them into the collection box for recycling.
 
For every 1kg of packaging returned and recycled through this program, Royal Canin generously donates $1 to support Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.