An internationally-recognised specialist veterinary centre in Hampshire is making a determined effort to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, in Winchester, has begun a full review of its practices and procedures to explore where it can cut down on emissions and wastage across the hospital.
The highly-acclaimed Linnaeus referral centre has appointed RVN Becky Ward as its Green Team leader and she is heading up a dedicated group of team members committed to delivering a more efficient and environmentally-friendly way of working.
Becky is passionate about the project, saying: “We are all discussing the importance of becoming more sustainable and welcoming all ideas on any meaningful improvements we can make.
“Everyone is being encouraged to get involved in helping us become more eco-friendly and there is also a core group of us who are meeting regularly to implement change.
“There are some obvious and immediate measures we can take. We will be recycling more, using a compost system for all food waste and we are also encouraging everyone to turn off electricity around the hospital as part of a wider Linnaeus project to reduce our energy consumption.
“One key change we have identified is to buy more long-life, sustainable products and significantly reduce our purchases of throwaway, single use items.”
As part of this, Anderson Moores has already switched to using industry-leading, reusable AESCULAP® sterile containers which provide repeated protection against contamination for vital hospital tools, such as surgical instruments.
The hi-tech containers come in a variety of sizes and styles which means they can be used across a wide range of services to guarantee sterile delivery of hospital equipment and products over and over again.
Becky has welcomed the switch and is keen to embrace even more change as Anderson Moores works towards achieving an Investors in the Environment (iiE) award for its introduction of energy-saving, eco-friendly measures.
The nationwide iiE accreditation scheme is designed to help organisations reduce their impact on the environment.
Becky said the push to become as “green and responsible as possible” was a win-win scenario as it would make a real difference to the efficiency of the hospital and the wellbeing of the outside world.
She added: “We need to focus on making a significant difference in the way we work and live so we limit the impact of humans on the planet and protect our world for future generations”.
Ellie West, sustainability lead for Linnaeus, said: “It has been really lovely seeing the Anderson Moores team building on their existing environmental programmes and getting behind the iiE scheme. We are looking forward to sharing more on their inspirational work.”
Anderson Moores offers specialist care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, feline hyperthyroid clinic, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery.
For more information, search for Anderson Mores Veterinary Specialists on social media.
