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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th November 2022
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Carbon Calculator launched at London Vet Show
The calculator will help practice teams work out their carbon emissions for the first time.
The tool has been designed to help veterinary teams become more sustainable.

A new carbon footprint calculator for veterinary practices has been created thanks to a collaboration between Vet Sustain and Investors in the Environment (iiE).

The eagerly anticipated Veterinary Carbon Calculator, launched at London Vet Show today (17 November), has been specially designed to monitor the ecological impacts of veterinary practice and help teams work out their carbon emissions for the first time. 

Dr Malcolm Morley, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), urged members of the profession to consider using the calculator, stressing that it “will support practices in their journey to becoming more sustainable”.

The calculator has also received the backing of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS).

It works by breaking down carbon emissions into various elements of business activity, such as utilities, travel and veterinary care waste. Once a baseline carbon footprint has been calculated, practices can set a baseline and track measurable progress. 

Through providing essential understanding, its creators hope it will help veterinary practice teams make positive changes to their business operations.

Gudrun Ravetz, past BVA president and current chair of Vet Sustain, said: “Having a bespoke carbon calculator available and used by practices is another great step forward for the profession on its sustainability journey and we are very proud to have worked with iiE and supporters across the profession to lead this meaningful project.” 

April Sotomayor, General Manager of iiE, added: “We’re delighted to have been a collaborator to help catalyse climate action in the veterinary profession through development of this easy-to-use carbon calculator. 

“The calculator will help teams understand some of their carbon hotspots, and comes with simple advice on how to take action to reduce emissions. Year-on-year calculations will also help practices benchmark their progress and experience the benefits good environmental stewardship brings to their business.” 

The BVA will be demonstrating the calculator on their stand at London Vet Show, 17 – 18 November 2022, at ExCel London. More information about the calculator is available at vetsustain.org 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.