Association awaded silver-level accreditation by Investors in the Environment.
The BVA has been recognised by a national environmental accreditation scheme for its efforts to become more sustainable.
The Association was honoured a silver-level accreditation for ‘the continued improvement of its sustainability performance’, by Investors in the Environment (iiE).
From updating and expanding its environmental policy to bringing in a sustainable travel strategy, the Association has also been planting trees with the National Trust.
The silver award also recognises BVA’s efforts to build on measures implemented at its headquarters in London last year, including the use of green cleaning products and reducing paper use.
The Association has implemented green inductions for new team members, a comprehensive waste and recycling management plan and increased green communications to staff via its in-house "green team".
BVA chief executive David Calpin hopes the achievement will encourage other veterinary workplaces to reduce their environmental footprint.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this accreditation, it is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff including our excellent facilities team and enthusiastic staff ‘green team’ who have led on this work,” he said.
“We hope to lead by example and inspire others within the profession to take the initiative and follow in our footsteps. Taking measures such as these is not only good for the environment, but it can also help workplaces to attract and retain staff. We know from our regular Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey that vets are increasingly taking into account how workplaces approach sustainability when looking for a new role.
“We are proud of this achievement and will continue to work towards further reducing our impact on the environment and become more sustainable, with the aim of achieving iiE’s top ‘Green’ accreditation in the future.”
BVA president Justine Shotton added: “This is a fantastic achievement, which chimes very closely with my presidential theme, ‘Sustainability’. I’m really proud to be part of an organisation that recognises the importance of doing its bit to protect the planet, as well as leading by example and inspiring others across the veterinary community to do the same.”
