The Green Revolution: 7 Steps Toward Veterinary Practice Sustainability
Sustainability may not be the veterinary profession’s first priority, but the issue deserves more attention. Eco-friendly practices help preserve the planet and show clients that your priorities are in the right place. In our rapidly warming climate, every step you take toward improved veterinary practice sustainability can have an impact.
Jumping in feet first may feel too overwhelming, but small, step-wise changes can help you gradually build a sustainable practice environment. Consider speaking with a practice consultant or even moving to another space for a serious overhaul. Here are seven steps toward building a green practice.
1. Identify sustainability champions
Identify team members who are enthusiastic about the sustainability mission to head up your practice’s efforts. Include team members from various roles and hospital departments so you hear every perspective. Then, pool ideas and set realistic goals. Your champions will guide the rest of the team and keep them motivated to meet those goals.
2. Conduct a sustainability audit
Before you can improve your hospital’s environmental impact, you must understand its current state. Review local utilities’ old billing statements and evaluate energy use, water consumption, and waste production. You may discover the building has problems that need repair or identify equipment or tasks that use excess energy.
3. Eliminate plastics and packaging waste
Single-use plastics are enormous contributors to environmental pollution, yet healthcare professions like veterinary practices rely on these to keep pet patients safe. While you may not have viable alternatives to syringes or needle caps, look for biodegradable and reusable options wherever possible.
4. Optimize energy use and efficiency
Energy efficiency helps you achieve greater veterinary practice sustainability while also saving money. Simple changes like LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances can significantly impact your clinic’s carbon footprint. Use natural lighting wherever possible, turn off unused equipment, and install motion sensor lighting in low-traffic areas.
5. Partner with a sustainable supplier
The many boxes stuffed with plastic packaging that arrive at the clinic every day or week are not exactly sustainable. Sure, some are recyclable, but much of it will end up in a landfill. Partner with a distributor who offers green options, such as reusable shipping containers or electric delivery vehicles.
6. Involve clients in sustainability efforts
Clients, especially those of younger generations, value sustainability and want to support your mission. They may pay more for services that mean they or their pet have a smaller environmental impact. Educate clients about your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Also, consider offering clients tips on reducing their pet’s carbon footprint through alternative protein sources, when appropriate, biodegradable products, and brands that align with their eco-friendly values.
7. Use digital solutions to reduce paper
Most practices have migrated from paper to digital charts, but that doesn’t automatically eliminate the clinic’s paper waste. Train the team to stop relying on handwritten notes—supply modern, cloud-based software and portable solutions like iPads and laptops that allow patient-side charting. Cloud software can also eliminate client-centric paper by electronically sending invoices, estimates, instructions, handouts, and more straight to the client’s inbox.
Why veterinary practice sustainability matters
Embracing veterinary practice sustainability is a powerful way to improve client perceptions and team member satisfaction, which likely will encourage loyalty from both groups. Eco-friendly practices can reduce operational costs, attract environmentally conscious clients, and help you set a positive example for the community.
Small, consistent changes can make a big impact over time. Veterinary practices have an opportunity to lead the way in sustainability by demonstrating that exceptional care is possible in an environmentally conscious atmosphere. By adopting veterinary practice sustainability initiatives, you can future-proof your hospital and positively impact the world.
