Environmental Sustainability

As part of the IVC Evidensia Group, Orchard Vets recognises that it has a legal, moral and ethical responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and improve our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. We will encourage all employees, customers and suppliers to do the same and where possible implement sustainable practices

Responsibility

IVC Evidensia and Orchard Vets is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented, with all clinic and IVC Evidensia Group employees having a responsibility in their area of influence to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are achieved

Policy aims

We endeavour to:

• Comply with all relevant local or country specific environmental regulations
• Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions
• Increase employee awareness by encouraging good environmental practices across our global operations
• Minimise noise disturbance to neighbours

Materials and Waste

• We will minimise the use of all materials across the company
• We will reduce packaging as much as possible and recycle it where facilities exist
• We will seek to buy recycled and recyclable products
• We will favour more environmentally friendly and energy efficient products wherever possible
• We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase
• Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible and chemical free cleaning is used where appropriate
• We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste, whether it be commercial or clinical
• Use natural materials from sustainable sources
• Phase out materials that have been shown to be harmful to the Environment or Wildlife

Energy and water

• Reduce carbon footprint of business, through more efficient use of energy within our operations and by working throughout our value chain.
• We will seek to minimise the amount of energy and water we use
• The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing, renovating or specifying

Transportation

• We will reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessity trips only
• We will promote the use of travel alternatives such as e-mail or video/phone conferencing
• We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles and support schemes or incentives to promote a healthy active life

Culture

• We will encourage staff to implement this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance
• We will review this policy regularly in consultation with staff and other stakeholders
• We will provide staff with relevant environmental training and information
• We will work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance
• We will use local suppliers and materials where available to reduce environmental impact

Further Information

IVC Evidensia and Orchard Vets will review policies and procedures periodically to reflect changes in legislation and good practice.