CVS Group unveils Sustainability Hub to drive best environmental practice
New hub gives veterinary teams 24/7 support to implement sustainability initiatives
CVS Group has launched a new Sustainability Hub within its Knowledge Hub online learning platform, giving colleagues 24/7 access to the latest information and best practices.
The innovative hub consolidates the group's extensive sustainability resources and support. Resources are curated by topic area, allowing easy access to the right support.
A waste category includes guidelines for correctly disposing of various types of waste, such as medical waste, sharps, food, and IT equipment. This helps colleagues divert waste from landfill into appropriate recycling streams. This year, the group’s focus on waste has resulted in an increase in non-medical waste recycling to 38%.
In the Energy and Carbon section, colleagues can find step-by-step support to calculate their carbon footprint using Vet Sustain’s carbon calculator, specifically designed for the veterinary industry. With this data, practice teams can identify areas where energy reduction initiatives will have the most impact.
Colleagues can also access purchasing support to make environmentally friendly choices when ordering practice consumables, as well as antimicrobial stewardship guidance to minimise antimicrobial resistance. In addition, the hub hosts a variety of in-house and external CPD courses and webinars related to sustainability.
Furthermore, the Sustainability Hub offers easy access to the group’s Environmental Sustainability Award support, for practices applying for this RCVS accreditation. Curated by CVS’ quality improvement team, this support includes a handy checklist and guidance for implementing sustainability processes and policies within practices. Practice teams applying for the award are also invited to join twice-monthly drop-in sessions to ask questions and receive support.
Sustainability initiatives within each CVS practice are led by 338 Environment Champions across the group. These colleagues attend quarterly meetings and participate in an active forum to determine focus areas, share best practices, and stay updated with new information and guidelines.
Rosie Naylor, Procurement Director and Sustainability Lead at CVS Group, said:
“Taking our responsibilities seriously is one of our key strategic pillars. We care about animal health and environmental sustainability is one of the greatest threats to animal health in current times. The Sustainability Hub empowers colleagues to learn more about the environmental impact of our work and help reduce it.”
