At Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, we are committed to achieving the highest standards in environmental performance and sustainability. In 2022, we achieved iiE Green Level accreditation, which brought enormous pride and engagement across our hospital. We are now fully focused on achieving our major long-term goal of net zero by 2040.
As a large veterinary referral hospital, we recognise that our day-to-day operations have an impact on the environment. We have therefore identified our key environmental aspects and are committed to minimising our environmental and carbon footprint wherever possible.
We understand our social and corporate responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and we continuously strive to improve our environmental status through positive and proactive efforts.
Key Environmental Impacts Identified
- Energy consumption
(Annual reduction target of 2% across electricity, gas, and water) - Inhalation agents
(Reduce usage by 5% per year through low-flow anaesthesia and TIVA) - Waste production and disposal
(Reduce general waste, increase mixed recycling by 5%, introduce pet food waste recycling) - Paper usage
- Transport of personnel and use of the Willows van
- Procurement and supplies
(Prioritising suppliers with environmental accreditations)
Commitment to Legislative Compliance
Willows aims to achieve the highest accreditation with Investors in the Environment (iiE).
In accordance with UK Government environmental legislation and Environment Agency requirements, our policy is to comply with all environmental regulations relevant to our organisation and activities.
We are committed to reducing environmental impacts and continually improving our performance.
Environmental Objectives
We are committed to working collaboratively with associates, clients, referring practices, suppliers, contractors, investors, regulatory bodies, and the local community to achieve the following:
- Reduce consumption of energy and raw materials
- Reduce waste and carbon emissions locally and beyond
- Assess environmental impact across all departments and processes
- Set measurable annual environmental improvement targets
- Support One Health sustainability initiatives
- Implement and monitor sustainable procurement practices
- Minimise unnecessary transport
- Monitor key resource usage and apply conservation techniques
- Publish an annual organisational sustainability report
- Make progress available for independent assessment (iiE and RCVS PSS)
- Provide education internally and externally to promote positive environmental change
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all associates, visitors, and contractors to support this policy through active participation and full cooperation.
Review & Governance
The introduction and implementation of this policy is a commitment of Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service management, supported by the Linnaeus Group.
The policy will be reviewed annually as part of the organisation’s environmental management plan.
Signatories
Name: Tom Reilly
Position: Hospital Director
Date: 11/11/25
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAIR:
Name: Rebecca Jordan
Position: Surgical Team Leader
Responsible for reviewing environmental changes and supporting environmental initiatives.
