Environmental Mission Statement
As part of the IVC Evidensia Group, Market 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 Market Vets are 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.
Market vets will maintain a nominated Sustainability Champion who will promote this policy and further its integration into the everyday working of the practice.
Current Sustainability Champion: Craig Ferguson
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
- We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste, whether it be commercial or clinical
- We will use natural materials from sustainable sources
- We will phase out materials that have been shown to be harmful to the Environment or Wildlife
- A survey of discarded waste will be conducted at least annually and the results shared with the team so we can better understand barriers to maximising sustainability.
Energy and water
- We will reduce the 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 considered when purchasing, renovating or specifying
Medicines
- Inappropriate use and disposal of drugs poses a significant risk to the environment.
- Selection of drugs will consider any potential negative environmental effects.
- We will only prescribe necessary volumes of drugs and be explicit in describing their correct usage.
- We will accept the return of any unused medications for safe disposal free of charge.
- Anaesthetic gases pose a great risk to the environment so we will minimise their use by optimising and regularly reviewing our anesthetic protocols.
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.
- We will favour low emission vehicles and maintain them rigorously to ensure ongoing efficiency and promote car sharing for the commute to work
- All necessary journeys will be planned to minimise fuel use – for example grouping visits in similar areas together or planning them on the same day.
- The practice will share the most fuel-efficient driving practices with the team and expect them to adopt this style when on practice business.
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
- Each practice will display an environmental sustainability notice board featuring waste survey results, improvements being implemented and an area to write suggestions for further improvements.
- All improvements suggested via the board or communicated directly to the environmental sustainability champion will be considered and, if practicable, be adopted and promoted back to the wider team.
- Achievements will be celebrated with the team and shared with clients e.g. by social media
- We will reduce the need and therefore the environmental cost of healthcare by promoting preventative health measures e.g. vaccination, parasite treatment, obesity clinics and client education.
IVC Evidensia and Market Vets will review policies and procedures periodically to reflect changes in legislation and good practice. Date 17/07/2025