Session explores the benefits of sustainability in the vet profession.
In a morning dedicated to climate action, delegates at BSAVA Congress 2021 were invited to view a presentation on environmentally friendly practices, highlighting the benefits of operating sustainably and the positive impact that it can have.
Becky Sedman, from Minster Veterinary Practice in York, kicked off the session with a discussion on the business case for sustainability. She explained why veterinary practices should be taking steps to reduce their environmental impact.
“We all understand that we're facing a climate crisis,” said Ms Sedman, “and we do need to take action now if we are to have any hope of preventing catastrophic global warming in the future.”
“As a veterinary profession we understand the intimate relationships between people, animals and the environment better than most...So we're in a fantastic position to champion sustainability.”
Ms Sedman also highlighted the financial incentives to becoming a greener practice, explaining that people and potential employees will typically prefer businesses with green credentials. Carrying out sustainability initiatives can also help to galvanise the existing practice team.
Zoe Halfacree, chair of the Greener Veterinary Practice working group, Vet Sustain, took over for the second half to provide an insight into the work that the group is doing to support practices to make changes for environmental sustainability.
She explained the 'huge' impact that clinical practice has on the environment and shared Vet Sustain's Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist, endorsed by BVA, BVNA and SPVS.
This checklist highlights areas in which practices can make a start in going green, including:
- practising responsible resource use – using reusable surgical gowns, using alcohol hand preparation etc.
- being sustainable in your operation – carrying out a waste audit and highlighting where your biggest environmental impact is
- using medicines responsibly – avoiding drug wastage and disposing of drugs correctly
- empowering the team – carrying out sustainability education projects that support staff wellbeing and development.
For more guidance on making a start on your sustainability journey, please visit vetsustain.org
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
