Environmental Policy

Dick White Referrals is firmly committed to the principles of sustainability. It recognises that its activities impact upon the environment through its routine internal operations, its infrastructural development and its influence on the wider community. Dick White Referrals acknowledges responsibility for, and a commitment to, the protection of the environment at all levels.

Dick White Referrals will endeavour to exceed the requirements of relevant environmental legislation, is committed to environmental performance improvement and will:

• in conjunction with local, national and other agencies, promote and raise awareness of good environmental management policies and practices among colleagues, clients and other stakeholders;
• continue to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials (including fossil fuels, water and energy) and seek to enhance the contribution of energy efficient, low carbon measures, recyclable components and renewables;
• implement sound long-term waste management strategies to reduce overall waste production and increase the recycled component of the waste stream;
• promote a purchasing policy which favours those products and services that cause the least harm to the environment;
• develop and maintain the grounds and buildings of the clinic in an environmentally sensitive way, seeking to protect and enhance natural habitats and biodiversity.

The company is committed to reducing these and other impacts and to the continual improvement of our environmental performance. Our policy is to comply with environmental legislation and regulations relevant to our organisation and its activities, according to the EU and Environment Agency. To support our goals, Dick White Referrals is working towards Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation at Silver level.

We are committed to working with our colleagues, clients, suppliers, investors, contractors and regulatory bodies to achieve the following objectives:

• Increase cost-effectiveness by reducing our consumption of energy and raw materials;
• Reduce waste and carbon emissions both locally and in the wider environment;
• Systematically assess the environmental impact of all aspects of our company;
• Set targets for measurable annual improvements;
• Make our progress available for independent assessment (iiE).

It is the responsibility of all colleagues, visitors and contractors to support this policy fully through active participation and co-operation.

The introduction and implementation of this policy is a commitment of Dick White Referrals management and a shared responsibility with our colleagues.  Katherine Norris has designated responsibility for day-to-day implementation of this policy.

The policy will be reviewed annually as part of the organisation’s overall environment management plan.

SIGNED:

Dr Rob Foale BSc BVetMed DSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS

POSITION: Clinical Director

DATE: 11th April 2019

GREEN CHAMPION APPOINTED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENQUIRIES:

CONTACT DETAILS: Katherine Norris, Biomedical Scientist: green@dwr.co.uk