New course to help veterinary practices meet sustainability standards

A new micro-course has been launched by SRUC to help vet practices meet sustainability standards set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Introduced on 1 September, these require all registered veterinary practices to evidence their approaches to sustainability, now a requirement to be approved as a training practice.

With a unique structure, the Sustainability in Veterinary Practice micro-credential course is aimed at helping everyone in the vet industry, at all levels, meet these standards by providing concrete examples that can easily be translated into practice.

Co-created by Registered Veterinary nurses Helen Ballantyne and Laura Edwards, the course is the only one with SCQF credits available in Scotland. The online course takes 12 weeks to complete.

“Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges,” said Helen Ballantyne. “By empowering veterinary professionals with sustainable tools and insights, we aim to create a positive impact that supports animal welfare, community health and ecological balance.”

The new sustainability requirements in the Practice Standards Scheme are intended to encourage the professions to lead the way in addressing the global climate crisis, and include a new Environmental Sustainability Award.

SRUC’s course offers practical advice in helping practitioners make adjustments big and small to ensure compliance, including reducing the usage of single-use items, plastic waste, advice on switching to renewable energy supplies and in helping the public reduce the carbon footprint of pet ownership.

This includes the use of low-flow anaesthesia (LFA), which utilises a reduced flow of fresh gas to ensure minimal leakage of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

To find out more and to sign up, visit Sustainability in Veterinary Practice

Posted by SRUC on 22/11/2024