Sustainability at Vetspeed

Sustainability at Vetspeed

Posted on December 3rd, 2021

Vetspeed Ltd is fully committed to reducing our environmental impact across the scope of our operations and through services we deliver to our customers, to ensure a clean and healthy future for generations to come. Managing our environmental impact is a priority and an important part of our overall commitment to responsible business.

Our Commitment

Our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint, our reliance on single-use plastics, divert waste from landfill, and increase our use of natural resources is imbedded in our strategy. We aim to create a sustainable future whilst improving our efficiency and reducing costs. Similarly, our efforts to minimise the waste we produce includes making improvements to our business processes and creating a circular economy. All this activity is shaped by our Environmental policy and our Environmental Management system, which provides a clear framework for managing our environmental impact as a business.

Through our business activities, Vetspeed Ltd tackles financial and environmental challenges, by increasing the deployment of Sustainable solutions and implementing new innovative technological initiatives. As a leader in our field, we will continue working together with our stakeholders in the value chain including employees, customers, and suppliers to shape a more sustainable and financially secure business for the long term. Vetspeed Ltd views contributions to sustainability as one of our key responsibilities.

Our Vision

To encourage and inspire our customers and colleagues, a clear vision and understanding of where we are and what we want to achieve is vital.

• To become a carbon-neutral company
• To support our clients in their sustainability projects
• To create a more sustainable working environment to improve the well-being of staff and visitors to our sites
• To invest and support initiatives that improve lives

Sustainability Action Plan

The sustainability action plan defines the targets that have been set by the business. Each target is reviewed and updated annually.

Carbon Neutral Status

Vetspeed Ltd are working towards becoming carbon neutral certified – Removing carbon from much of our business model over the next 5 years. We will reduce our carbon emissions through efficient fleet management, reductions in vehicle movements and improved waste processing methods.

The Clean Van Commitment Scheme – Reducing Fleet Emissions

Vetspeed Ltd have joined the Clean Van commitment scheme, which is a public commitment for fleets to switch to zero tailpipe emission vans, in cities, by 2028, helping organisations show leadership in tackling air pollution and climate change.

What Are We Doing?

Vetspeed Ltd have reviewed the age and condition of the vans we operate. The information has been used to update our vehicle replacement schedule. As part of this exercise, we assessed the potential of electric vehicles; in particular, whether today’s vehicles will meet our requirements without affecting customer service. Off the back of this information, Vetspeed Ltd have made the decision to procure a number of electric vehicles, which supports our sustainability strategy. The Clean Van Commitment is coordinated by Global Action Plan and supported by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and ENGIE.

ERP Based Software Solution

Vetspeed Ltd have invested in a market-leading ERP based software solution with the aim to:

• Improve customer service
• Better usage of live data & reporting
• Reduce vehicle movements & carbon footprint through the use of efficient route planning technology
• Increase efficiency and productivity
• Reduce costs
• Enhance security
• Improve compliance with vehicle & waste regulations
• Significantly reduce paper usage
• Provide peace of mind to employees & customers alike

Investment In New Incineration Technologies

Ongoing investment in our incineration plants has allowed us to take advantage of new technology to improve efficiencies. The heat / water generated from our incineration process will be reclaimed for use on other plants. This represents a significant fuel saving annually and promotes a circular economy as we become self-sufficient and less reliant on fossil fuels.

Protect Mental Health and Wellbeing of Staff

A plan is being rolled out by the business to train more Mental Health first Aiders. We understand that in the current climate, and with the impact of COVID-19, that the mental health of our staff has suffered. With this in mind, we will create ‘champions’ around the business, who will assist, support and provide guidance to staff that require it. We also offer free counselling sessions with a professional provider should staff require it.

Divert Waste from Landfill

Vetspeed Ltd have partnered with a leading supplier to divert several thousands tonnes of medical waste annually from landfill. Initially, the waste is processed through autoclaves at Vetspeed’s site in Cambridge. This process turns medical waste into a sterile flock, which is a non-hazardous material. The flock is collected & then taken to processing plant, where it is dried, shredded & eventually used as an alternative to coal & other fossil fuels.

Continuous Improvement

A UK ‘Sustainability panel’ has been created with a clear focus of driving continuous improvements in sustainability, health & well-being. This panel will be a diverse group, who will meet on a quarterly basis, and will be made up of ‘champions’ from each area of the business.

Sustainability Measures We Will Be Taking:

• Installing EV charging points on all sites.
• Reducing the carbon footprint in our own offices.
• Altering current space for bicycles storage rack facilities.
• Incentivising staff who adopt sustainable transport to work.
• Provide educational information to staff of the need to reduce impact on greenhouse emission levels at work and home.
• Measure our commitment annually to achieve Zero to landfill levels.
• Use of raw materials or imports with a lower level of embodied Carbon.
• Sustainability and quality service are key features of Novus Environmental.
• Implementing EV policy on like for like vehicle renewals where capabilities are available.

Every month, each of our sites will be planting a tree to help offset their CO2 emissions. We truly believe that this is an essential step in Vetspeed’s commitment to helping the environment.