A new British Veterinary Association (BVA) Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed 93% of veterinarians say sustainability is important to them.
The BVA and Vet Sustain have today (Tuesday, October 29) published a new report that aims to empower the profession to play its role in tackling climate change and support the UK’s aim to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025.
There are many compelling ethical, business and One Health reasons for veterinary workplaces to consider taking action against climate change but, with busy day-to-day workloads and competing priorities, it can feel daunting to get started.
The role of veterinary workplaces in tackling climate change aims to break down the challenge of working towards net zero emissions, with actions that individuals and teams can take, whether they are just getting started or are further along in their sustainability journey.
BVA
The report explains the impact of climate change, what the veterinary profession’s role is in tackling it, and why it is so important veterinary professions step up to play their part.
A guide entitled “Four steps to net zero” provides practical steps on how to take positive action towards mitigating their workplaces impact on the environment.
The four steps are as follows:
Pledge your commitment to environmental sustainability, making a formal pledge or even just telling others of your intentions, such as pledging to reduce carbon emissions in the workplace, can help to increase the level of commitment.
Plan how to reduce emissions to zero: Calculate the carbon emissions at your workplace, perhaps by using the Veterinary Carbon Calculator to help come up with a plan of action.
Proceed with immediate actions to reduce emissions: common ways teams or individuals can have an impact are from switching to green energy providers to performing waste audits to ensure waste is being correctly disposed of or recycled.
Publish your successes to monitor progress and inspire others: This could be as simple as updating teams of progress, reporting improvements publicly or signing up to an accreditation scheme to demonstrate progress and commitment, such as the Investors in the Environment (iiE) scheme.
The report also includes useful resources and showcases the ways real veterinary workplaces are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.
BVA is leading by example, taking steps to cut its carbon emissions and has retained its iiE ‘Green’ level for the third year running for sustainability performance.
Senior vice president at the BVA, Anna Judson said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.
“However, there is still more work to do. Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.
“This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”
