A Sustainable Approach to Clinical Veterinary Practice

Are you ready to support meaningful change for a sustainable future? Registration is now open for our brand new online course.

Course Overview

This course will empower veterinary professionals to drive the changes needed at a practice level, and to have the conversations needed more widely – for the benefit of the animals under our care, our communities, wildlife and the wider environment. The course offers a step-by-step guide to action sustainability in veterinary practice and embed these principles into our daily veterinary work. Learners will explore carbon footprinting and policy making, the carbon 'pawprint' of pet ownership, sustainability in the operating theatre, resource use and procurement, responsible use of medicines, waste management, understanding and creating behavioural change, and much more!

Sustainability course designed for veterinarians and paraprofessionals
Self-Paced Online Learning Course
Designed to fit around busy work and life schedules
Suitable for all roles within the veterinary profession
Primarily companion animal focused, although the principles are applicable to all spheres of clinical practice
Create an environmental management system for your workplace - including policies, audits and action plans
Equivalent to 35 hours of CPD
Attain a LANTRA accredited certificate

Curriculum

1. Course Overview
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Welcome to the Course from Module Authors
3. Modules
4. What to Expect
  FREE PREVIEW
5. How to Navigate The Course - Top Tips
6. Pre-CPD Questionnaire
7. Directory of recommended reading and resources
8. About Us
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Laura Higham
  FREE PREVIEW
3. TASK 1.1 Introduction
4. 1.1 Introduction
5. 1.2 What is climate change?
6. 1.2.1 What is causing the climate to change?
7. 1.3 The Anthropocene
8. DEEP DIVE 1.3 The Anthropocene
9. TASK 1.3 The Anthropocene
10. 1.4 How is the veterinary profession impacting on the climate?
11. 1.5 How much has the Earth warmed?
12. DEEP DIVE 1.5 How much has the Earth warmed?
13. 1.5.1 The Impact of 1.1 Degrees of Warming
14. 1.5.2 The impacts of current warming on the veterinary profession
15. TASK 1.5.2 The impacts of current warming on the veterinary profession
16. 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?
17. TASK 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?
18. DEEP DIVE 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?
19. 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?....continued
20. TASK 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?
21. QUICK QUIZ 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?
22. 1.7 Where are we heading?
23. DEEP DIVE 1.7 Where are we heading?
24. 1.7.1 Tipping points
25. 1.8 What do we need to do?
26. 1.9 But it's not just about climate change
27. 1.9.1 The biodiversity crisis
28. 1.9.2 How is the veterinary profession impacting on our ecological systems?
29. DEEP DIVE 1.9.2 How is the veterinary profession impacting on our ecological systems?
30. 1.10 The role of the veterinary profession
31. 1.10.1 The One Health Concept
32. DEEP DIVE 1.10.1 The One Health Concept
33. 1.10.2 A changing profession
34. TASK 1.10.2 A changing profession
35. 1.11 Final Reflection
36. 1.12 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Alice Moore
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 2.1 Introduction
4. TASK 2.1 Introduction
5. 2.2 What is meant by the term 'sustainability'
6. 2.3 Planetary Boundaries
7. 2.4 The triple bottom line
8. QUICK QUIZ 2.4 The triple bottom line
9. 2.5 Social Sustainability
10. DEEP DIVE 2.5 Social Sustainability
11. 2.5.1 Social Sustainability.....continued
12. TASK 2.5.1 Social Sustainability.....continued
13. 2.6 Sustainability: A destination or a journey?
14. 2.7 Is operating in a sustainable manner enough, or do we need to do more?
15. QUICK QUIZ 2.7 Is operating in a sustainable manner enough, or do we need to do more?
16. 2.8 Opportunities gained from embracing sustainability
17. 2.9 How UK Carbon Legislation affects veterinary practices
18. DEEP DIVE 2.9 How UK Carbon Legislation affects veterinary practices
19. 2.10 Creating an environmental management system
20. TASK 2.10 Creating an environmental management system
21. 2.10.1 Creating an environmental management system.....continued
22. 2.11 Continuous improvement vs quality improvement
23. DEEP DIVE 2.11 Continuous improvement vs quality improvement
24. 2.12 External accreditation schemes/awards/standards
25. 2.13 Elevator Pitch
26. TASK 2.13 Elevator Pitch
27. 2.14 Greenwashing
28. QUICK QUIZ 2.14 Greenwashing
29. 2.15 Marketing sustainability
30. 2.16 Perfection is the enemy of progress
31. 2.17 Final Reflection
32. 2.18 References
33. Introducing: The Project
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Emily Appleby
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 3.1 Introduction
4. TASK 3.1 Introduction
5. 3.2 What is a carbon footprint?
6. QUICK QUIZ 3.2 What is a carbon footprint
7. 3.3 Why do we need to measure carbon footprints?
8. TASK 3.3 Why do we need to measure carbon footprints?
9. 3.4 What do we need to measure?
10. DEEP DIVE 3.4 What do we need to measure?
11. TASK 3.4 What do we need to measure?
12. 3.5 How to get started
13. 3.6 Setting Targets
14. 3.6.1 Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
15. 3.6.2 Race to Zero
16. TASK 3.6.2 Race to Zero
17. 3.7.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy
18. DEEP DIVE 3.7.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy
19. 3.7.1.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy
20. DEEP DIVE 3.7.1.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy
21. 3.8 Create a plan
22. 3.9 Taking action
23. 3.10 Carbon footprint PLUS
24. 3.11 Final Reflection
25. 3.12 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Gudrun Ravetz
  FREE PREVIEW
3. TASK 4.1 Introduction
4. 4.1 Introduction: The carbon footprint of pet ownership
5. TASK 4.1.1 The carbon pawprint of pet ownership
6. 4.2 Preventative Healthcare = Sustainable Healthcare
7. 4.3 Avoiding Unnecessary Clinical Interventions
8. 4.4 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Nutrition
9. DEEP DIVE 4.4 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Nutrition
10. 4.4.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Raw Food Diets
11. 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Insect Based Diets
12. TASK 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Insect Based Diets
13. 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Plant Based Diets
14. DEEP DIVE 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Plant Based Diets
15. 4.5 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Obesity
16. 4.5.1 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals
17. QUICK QUIZ 4.5.1 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals
18. TASK 4.5.2 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals
19. 4.5.2 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals
20. 4.6 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering
21. DEEP DIVE 4.6 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering
22. TASK 4.6.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering
23. 4.6.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering
24. 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination
25. DEEP DIVE 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination
26. QUICK QUIZ 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination
27. 4.8 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Dental Care
28. DEEP DIVE 4.8 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Dental Care
29. 4.9 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Parasite Control
30. 4.10 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Endoparasite Control
31. 4.11 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Ectoparasite Control
32. 4.12 Hereditary Disease
33. TASK 4.12 Hereditary Disease
34. 4.12.1 Hereditary Disease continued
35. DEEP DIVE 4.12 Hereditary Disease
36. 4.13 How Sustainable Is The Importation Of Rescue Dogs And Cats?
37. DEEP DIVE 4.13 How Sustainable Is The Importation Of Rescue Dogs And Cats?
38. 4.14 Preventative Healthcare And Engaging With Clients
39. 4.14.1 Preventative Healthcare And Engaging With Clients - Client Information Sheets from Old Hall Vets
40. 4.15 Personalised Care
41. 4.16 Use Your Influence
42. 4.17 Sustainable Pet Ownership Clinics
43. 4.18 End Of Life
44. 4.19 Welfare
45. 4.20 Final Reflection
46. 4.21 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Hannah James
  FREE PREVIEW
3. TASK 5.1 Introduction
4. 5.1 Introduction
5. 5.2 Procurement
6. 5.2.1 Procurement - Life Cycle Analysis
7. TASK 5.2.1 Procurement
8. QUICK QUIZ 5.2.1 Procurement - Circular Economy
9. 5.2.2 Procurement - Sustainable Procurement Considerations
10. DEEP DIVE 5.2.2 Procurement
11. 5.2.3 Procurement - Vet Sustain Green Procurement List
12. TASK 5.2.3 Procurement - Green Swaps
13. 5.2.4 Procurement - Sustainable Procurement Policy
14. 5.3 Stock Control
15. 5.4 Energy Use in Practice - Electricity
16. QUICK QUIZ 5.4 Energy Use in Practice
17. 5.4.1 Energy Use in Practice continued
18. TASK 5.4.1 Energy Use in Practice
19. 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice - Solar Panels
20. TASK 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice
21. DEEP DIVE 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice
22. 5.4.3 Energy Use in Practice - Central Heating
23. QUICK QUIZ 5.4.3 Energy Use in Practice
24. 5.5 Water Use in Practice
25. TASK 5.5 Water Use in Practice
26. 5.5.1 Water Use in Practice
27. DEEP DIVE 5.5.1 Water Use in Practice
28. 5.6 Paper Use in Practice
29. 5.7 Responsible Resource Use
30. TASK 5.7 Responsible Resource Use
31. 5.8 Final Reflection
32. 5.9 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Andrew Prentis
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 6.1 Introduction
4. 6.2 ‘Efficient Buildings’ - what do we need to think about?
5. 6.3 New buildings
6. 6.3.1 Sustainable Design and Materials Selection
7. 6.3.2 Energy efficient systems
8. 6.3.3 Water conservation and flood prevention
9. 6.3.4 Green roofs and walls
10. DEEP DIVE 6.3.4 Green roofs and walls
11. 6.4 Retro-fitting and improving existing buildings
12. TASK 6.4 Retro-fitting and improving existing buildings
13. 6.4.1 Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
14. TASK 6.4.1 Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
15. 6.4.2 Prioritising actions
16. QUICK QUIZ 6.4.2 Prioritising actions
17. 6.4.3 Identify areas of heat loss
18. TASK 6.4.3 Identify areas of heat loss
19. 6.4.4 Insulate, insulate, insulate!
20. 6.5 Lower carbon heating
21. DEEP DIVE 6.5 Lower carbon heating
22. 6.5.1 Lower carbon heating - what are the options?
23. DEEP DIVE 6.5.1 Lower carbon heating - what are the options?
24. QUICK QUIZ 6.5.1 Lower carbon heating - what are the options?
25. 6.6 Cooling
26. 6.6.1 Air conditioning
27. 6.7 Outside space
28. 6.7.1 Outside space - Water conservation and flooding prevention
29. 6.7.2 Outside space - Become a bee friendly practice
30. QUICK QUIZ 6.7.1 Become a bee friendly practice
31. 6.7.3 Outside space - other measures
32. TASK 6.7.3 Outside space - other measures
33. 6.7.4 Outside space - other measures
34. 6.8 Sustainable transport
35. 6.8.1 Sustainable transport - Establishing a baseline
36. TASK 6.8.1 Sustainable transport - Establishing a baseline
37. 6.8.2 Sustainable transport - Establishing a baseline
38. DEEP DIVE 6.8.2 Sustainable transport - Establishing a baseline
39. 6.8.3 Sustainable transport - Establishing a baseline
40. 6.8.4 The Sustainable Travel Hierarchy
41. 6.8.5 Practice owned vehicles
42. DEEP DIVE 6.8.5 Practice owned vehicles
43. 6.8.6 Grey fleet
44. 6.8.7 Employee Commuting
45. 6.8.8 Client travel
46. 6.8.9 Creating a travel policy
47. TASK 6.8.9 Creating a travel policy
48. 6.9 Final Reflection
49. 6.10 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Justine Shotton
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 7.1 Introduction
4. TASK 7.2 Responsible Parasiticide Use
5. 7.2 Responsible Parasiticide Use
6. DEEP DIVE 7.2 Responsible Parasiticide Use
7. TASK 7.2 Responsible Parasiticide Use
8. 7.3 The Incidence Of Parasitic Disease And The Evidence For Ecotoxicity
9. DEEP DIVE 7.3 The Incidence Of Parasitic Disease And The Evidence For Ecotoxicity
10. QUICK QUIZ 7.3 The Incidence Of Parasitic Disease And The Evidence For Ecotoxicity
11. DEEP DIVE 7.4 What Actions Can We Take To Tackle This Problem?
12. 7.4 What Actions Can We Take To Tackle This Problem?
13. TASK 7.4 What Actions Can We Take To Tackle This Problem?
14. 7.5 How Can We Adopt Selective Parasite Treatment Regimes
15. TASK 7.5 How Can We Adopt Selective Parasite Treatment Regimes
16. 7.6 Anaesthetic Gases are Greenhouse Gases
17. 7.7 How To Practise Sustainable Anaesthesia
18. TASK 7.7 How To Practise Sustainable Anaesthesia
19. 7.7.1 How To Practise Sustainable Anaesthesia
20. DEEP DIVE 7.7.1 How To Practise Sustainable Anaesthesia
21. 7.8 The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
22. DEEP DIVE 7.8 The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
23. TASK 7.8 The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
24. TASK 7.8.1 The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
25. DEEP DIVE 7.8.1 The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
26. 7.9 The Microbiome
27. 7.10 Responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship
28. DEEP DIVE 7.10 Responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship
29. 7.10.1 Responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship
30. TASK 7.10.1 Responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship
31. DEEP DIVE 7.10.1 Responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship
32. 7.11 Novel Technology To Reduce Antimicrobial Use
33. TASK 7.11 Novel Technology To Reduce Antimicrobial Use
34. 7.12 Perioperative Antibiotic Use
35. QUICK QUIZ 7.12 Perioperative Antibiotic Use
36. 7.13 The Carbon Cost Of Oral Vs Parenteral Drug Routes
37. 7.14 Chemicals Used For Cleaning Clinical Environments
38. TASK 7.14 Chemicals Used For Cleaning Clinical Environments
39. 7.14.1 Chemicals Used For Cleaning Clinical Environments continued
40. 7.15 Chemical-Free Cleaning
41. TASK 7.15 Chemical-Free Cleaning
42. DEEP DIVE 7.15 Chemical-Free Cleaning
43. 7.16 Washing and Drying Laundry
44. DEEP DIVE 7.16 Washing and Drying Laundry
45. 7.17 Final Reflection
46. 7.18 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Nicole Dyer
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 8.1 Introduction
4. TASK 8.1 Introduction
5. 8.2 Sustainable surgical principles and lean surgery delivery
6. TASK 8.2 Sustainable surgical principles and lean surgery delivery
7. 8.2.1 Sustainable surgical principles and lean surgery delivery
8. TASK 8.2.1 Sustainable surgical principles and lean surgery delivery
9. 8.3 Introducing Sustainability quality improvement (SusQI) in the ‘single-use era’
10. TASK 8.3 Introducing Sustainability quality improvement (SusQI) in the ‘single-use era’
11. 8.4 The Greener Theatre Checklist
12. QUICK QUIZ 8.4 The Greener Theatre Checklist
13. DEEP DIVE 8.4 The Greener Theatre Checklist
14. 8.5 Rational use of surgical textiles
15. TASK 8.5 Rational use of surgical textiles
16. QUICK QUIZ 8.5 Rational use of surgical textiles
17. 8.6 Surgical instruments
18. DEEP DIVE 8.6 Surgical instruments
19. 8.6.1 Surgical instruments continued....
20. QUICK QUIZ 8.6.1 Surgical instruments continued....
21. 8.7 Sterilisation protocols
22. TASK 8.7 Sterilisation protocols
23. 8.8 The social aspect and global responsibility
24. DEEP DIVE 8.8 The social aspect and global responsibility
25. 8.9 Final Reflection
26. 8.10 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Helen Gould
  FREE PREVIEW
3. 9.1 Introduction
4. 9.1.1 Introduction
5. 9.2 The environmental impact of waste management
6. 9.2.1 The environmental impact of waste management, continued...
7. TASK 9.2 The environmental impact of waste management
8. DEEP DIVE 9.2 The environmental impact of waste management
9. TASK 9.2.1 The environmental impact of waste management, continued...
10. QUICK QUIZ 9.2 The environmental impact of waste management
11. 9.3 Optimising the management of healthcare waste
12. 9.3.1 Optimising the management of healthcare waste continued....
13. DEEP DIVE 9.3.1 Optimising the management of healthcare waste continued...
14. TASK 9.3.1 Optimising the management of healthcare waste continued...
15. QUICK QUIZ 9.3.1 Optimising the management of healthcare waste continued...
16. 9.4 Plastics and recycling in practice
17. DEEP DIVE 9.4 Plastics and recycling in practice
18. 9.4.1 Plastics and recycling in practice - Are Bioplastics Better?
19. 9.5 Composting
20. QUICK QUIZ 9.5 Composting
21. 9.6 Pharmaceutical waste
22. DEEP DIVE 9.6 Pharmaceutical waste
23. TASK 9.6 Pharmaceutical waste
24. 9.7 Taking a rational example to PPE use for reduced waste generation and operational resilience
25. 9.8 Final Reflection
26. 9.9 References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Jo Oakden
  FREE PREVIEW
3. TASK 10.1 What does the world need?
4. 10.1 What does the world need?
5. 10.2 People want change, but do not want to be changed. Why is change so difficult?
6. QUICK QUIZ 10.2 People want change, but do not want to be changed. Why is change so difficult?
7. 10.2.1 Why is change so hard?
8. 10.3 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
9. TASK 10.3 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
10. DEEP DIVE 10.3 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
11. 10.3.1 Further elaboration of the COM-B model
12. 10.3.2 The Theory of Planned Behaviour
13. 10.3.3 Stages of Change Model (Transtheoretical Model)
14. 10.3.4 Behaviour Change Within Organisations
15. QUICK QUIZ 10.3.4 Behaviour Change Within Organisations
16. TASK 10.3.4 Behaviour Change Within Organisations
17. DEEP DIVE 10.3.4 Behaviour Change Within Organisations
18. 10.4 Veterinary professionals as ‘Change Makers’
19. TASK 10.4 Veterinary professionals as ‘Change Makers’
20. 10.5 Theory into practice
21. TASK 10.5 Theory into practice
22. 10.6 Communication and language around change
23. DEEP DIVE 10.6 Communication and language around change
24. 10.6.1 Communication and language around change, continued...
25. DEEP DIVE 10.6.1 Communication and language around change, continued...
26. 10.7 Initiating and maintaining change within an organisation
27. TASK 10.7 Initiating and maintaining change within an organisation
28. DEEP DIVE 10.7 Initiating and maintaining change within an organisation
29. QUICK QUIZ 10.7 Initiating and maintaining change within an organisation
30. 10.8 Education for change
31. 10.8.1 Education for change
32. 10.8.2 Education for change
33. TASK 10.8.2 Education for change
34. DEEP DIVE TASK 10.8.2 Education for change
35. 10.9 Non-governmental organisations for creating change
36. TASK 10.9 Non-governmental organisations for creating change
37. 10.10 Final Reflection
38. 10.11 References
1. ASACVP Assignment: Integrating sustainability initiatives in practice
2. Course Conclusion
3. Post-CPD Questionnaire

About this course

$1,500.00
368 lessons
Live and Recorded Tutorials from Course Facilitator
Interactive Content including Charts and Figures, as well as videos from Module Champions
Opportunity for Deep Dives and Recommended Reading

Future Course Dates

Registrations will open for our next course in September 2024

What Students Can Expect From The Course

Discussion Forums

Students will have the opportunity to join and interact with a community of like minded veterinary professionals taking the course at the same time
Online Tutorials

Option to attend live (recorded) online tutorials at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions
LANTRA Certificate

Upon completion of the course and submission of an assignment successful students will receive a LANTRA accredited certificate

Hear what those who have joined the course have to say:

I have found it incredibly interesting and informative!

Judy Scrine, Veterinary Surgeon and Member BVA Electoral College

"Having worked through half the course so far, I have found it incredibly interesting and informative. It is helping me to fill in the many gaps in my knowledge about sustainability, and is also allowing me to be much better prepared to enter into meaningful climate change conversations and to fulfil my role as chair of the Vet Sustain Equine Subgroup. I have already been inspired to make a significant number of changes in my own sphere and feel I now have the information to encourage others to do the same. Not to mention satisfying all 35 hours of my CPD requirement in one chunk! Thank you Vet Sustain for this amazing opportunity."

An excellent course!

Helen Gould, Vet & Old Hall Vets Practice Owner.

"An excellent course. Really well put together. Very accessible and full of interesting and pertinent information all of which is of immediate use as we strive to make the vet profession more sustainable."

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to sign up for the course?
This course is primarily companion animal focussed, although the principles are applicable to all clinical practices. All members of the vet-led team are welcome to enrol on the course, there is some scientific content throughout the course but learners should not find this too challenging.
How much is the course?
The full price of the course will be £1,250 +VAT per student. Overseas (non-UK) businesses may be eligible for a non-VAT price of £1,250, please contact us for more information.
How long with the course take me to complete?
We expect each module to take around 3 hours to complete over the course of 6-9 months. In addition there are a number of deep dives and a list of further reading for those interested in a particular area or wishing to expand their knowledge further. We highly recommend diarising regular study sessions to keep progressing through the course content.
How much support with I have during the course?
There will be a live (and recorded) tutorial with the community and course organisers at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions. Students will also join a community of veterinary professionals all taking the course at the same time, to help each other along the way.
What do I need to accomplish in order to complete the course and receive my LANTRA accredited certificate?
During the course there will be tasks and quick quizzes to solidify learning throughout the course. In order to receive the LANTRA accredited certificate for completing the course, you are also required to complete an assignment. You will accumulate all the knowledge you require during the course to complete this assignment. In the assignment, you should formulate a strategy for driving sustainability within your clinical veterinary business. Consideration must be given as to how to effect cultural change, create an environmental management system and ensure continuous improvement in environmental performance long term.

Meet our Course Authors

Zoe Halfacree

MA VetMB CertVDI CertSAS FHEA DipECVS FRCVS.

Zoë is a veterinary surgeon with a passion for environmental sustainability. She is a European specialist in small animal veterinary surgery (Soft Tissue) and works at Davies Veterinary Specialists, Linnaeus. Zoë previously worked at the Royal Veterinary College and has provided training to other veterinary professionals via lecturing nationally and internationally, publishing scientific papers and writing book chapters. Zoë was awarded the Fellowship of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in August 2021 for meritorious contribution to clinical veterinary practice. She is a subject matter expert for Sustainability on the Linnaeus Clinical Board. Zoë is a Director of Vet Sustain and was Chair of the Greener Veterinary Practice working group from 2020 to 2022. Zoë has completed the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership course in Business Sustainability in 2020 and is currently completing a Masters course in Sustainability and Behaviour Change at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales. Zoë was recognised as the Green Individual of the year by Webinar Vet in 2023 for her work in sustainability in clinical practice.

Becky Sedman

BVSc MRCVS

Becky graduated from Liverpool in 2018 and currently works for a small animal referral hospital in Yorkshire. She previously completed the Business Sustainability Management course with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, worked as the Sustainability Advisor for VetPartners and was a previous Chair of the Vet Sustain Greener Veterinary Practice working group. Becky has practical experience of implementing an environmental management system in a large first opinion veterinary hospital whereby they successfully achieved the highest level Investors in the Environment award. She has delivered a number of webinars and presentations on the topic of sustainability at veterinary conferences and universities.

Jen Gale

BVetMed Dip Coaching(Hons) MRCVS

Jen qualified in 2004 from the Royal Veterinary College and worked in small animal practice for over 10 years. She is the founder of Sustainable(ish) - a platform all about empowering and inspiring ‘ordinary non-greenies’ to take imperfect eco-action, and is the author of The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide and The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting. Jen is a qualified coach and a certified Carbon Literacy trainer, as well as Vet Sustain Director.

About Vet Sustain

Vet Sustain supports veterinary professionals to become leading forces for sustainability

Vet Sustain is a not-for-profit community interest company on a mission to inspire and enable members of the veterinary professions to drive change for a more sustainable future. Vet Sustain produces the tools, training, communications and advocacy centred around our six Veterinary Sustainability Goals, to help veterinary professionals and teams to continually improve the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment through their day-to-day work. We seek to contribute to global food strategy, particularly around animal health and welfare and sustainable agriculture, and develop relationships and networks, to build capacity and collaborate globally.

Visit the Vet Sustain Website