An eco-friendly effort to reduce emissions and increase sustainability has earned a leading veterinary referral centre a national environmental award.

Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS), in Runcorn, has received a bronze award from Investors in the Environment (iiE) after a concerted sustainability push at the Linnaeus-owned animal hospital.

Auditor Hannah Carpenter praised NWVS and said: “The team has made an excellent start at understanding the practice’s environmental impact and engaging staff with positive initiatives to improve performance.

“It is notable the green champion, Lauren Buckley, with support of the wider green team, has developed an exemplary EMS manual and influenced a number of changes across the practice within just six months of joining the iiE scheme.

“NWVS has created its first environmental policy which highlights the practice’s commitment to reduce the environmental impacts of the services it provides.

“The senior management team is clearly engaged with the iiE process and provide active support to improve sustainability across the practice.

“There’s also outstanding communication from Lauren to update, educate and engage staff with sustainable initiatives both in the practice and at home.”

The practice’s staff have also been encouraged to do their bit and have taken part in campaigns throughout the year, including National Vegetarian Week, the Great British Spring Clean and No Mow May.

Hospital manager and green team member Jenny Pearson was delighted with the award and positive feedback.

She said: “We have done a lot in six months, introducing a wide range of ideas and initiatives to achieve this bronze award from the iiE.

“We’re working hard to reduce our use of gas, electricity and waste, including paper. Regular waste audits and checks are carried out to identify high waste items and ensure staff compliance with our waste management system.

“We’ve introduced excellent waste reduction measures such as switching to reusable aprons, incontinence sheets, and cloths. Our procurement team is also identifying even more sustainable and re-usable alternatives to high waste products.

“We know we can do more, though, so while we’re delighted with this bronze award and the positive feedback, we’re determined to push towards the iiE’s silver, gold and ultimately Green awards.”