Green Procurement Policy

Mayne Veterinary Clinic Ltd will give preference to purchasing environmentally preferable products and services that meet current performance, safety and regulatory requirements.

This organisation will continue to source and increase the purchase of products and services that are deemed ‘Environmentally Preferable’ using the criteria set out below.

Green Procurement Criteria

Mayne Veterinary Clinic Ltd will consider the following options as part of its environmental policy and where practical implement changes:

• Focus on products or services that have the least harmful environmental impact

• Rate products in terms of spend or quantity bought and environmental impact and prioritise greener purchasing action in accordance with the outcome of that exercise

• Integrate reused, refurbished, remanufactured and recycled-content products wherever possible

• Purchase greener products available through existing suppliers, such as energy saving office equipment, biodegradable cleaning products and where appropriate, use reusable products and refill existing containers to avoid single use items

• Purchase organic and/or fair trade products where practicable

• Support local remanufacturing efforts by purchasing at least a portion of recycled products from local organisations where they exist

• Actively encourage suppliers to provide products and services that have a minimum adverse environmental impact and reduce the packaging in which products are supplied

• Ask suppliers to provide clear information about any harmful processes and materials used in their manufacturing processes and seek suppliers that are working towards the phase out of such practices.

It may not be possible to purchase a green alternative for every product or service. Compromise may be required. It is therefore important to:

• Address the significant environmental impacts of current purchasing policy

• Set targets and dates to achieve changes in purchasing practice

• Engage colleagues responsible for procurement decisions with general environmental awareness and provide support for them to improve the sustainability of our supply chain

• Work co-operatively with other organisations to purchase environmentally. Network with departments and neighbouring businesses.

We will consider the following checklist wherever practicable with regards to resource use and recycling, hazardous content, energy, packaging, and transportation.

Resource Use and Recycling

• Does production/extraction of the product cause ecological damage, such as loss of habitats or damage to threatened species? Are there alternatives?

• Is this a remanufactured product?

• Can the product be re-used, refilled, recharged or reconditioned to extend its life?

• Can the item be easily upgraded by adding or replacing a part?

• Does the product have a recycled content? What percentage?

• Is the product accredited with a recognised environmental standard?

• Can the product be recycled easily (in the workplace and/or local community)?

Hazardous content

• Is the product or are its components hazardous to humans and/or the wider environment?

• If yes, what are the health and safety implications and disposal requirements?

• Are there any non-hazardous alternatives available? • Are technical data sheets available?

Energy

• Does the item use energy? (E.g. electrical appliances, equipment, machinery, space heating or vehicles)

• If so, is the item as energy efficient as the alternatives?

• Does the item have energy consumption data for all operation modes?

Packaging

• Can product packaging be reduced or eliminated?

• Is packaging made of recycled material(s)?

• Can packaging be re-used, recycled or returned?

Transportation

• Is the product locally manufactured and/or locally supplied?

• Does the supplier have a Green Transport Plan for their operations?

Catering

• Consider caterers that source fresh, local and in season products

• Consider caterers that provide reusable and/or recyclable packaging

• PECT caters vegetarian food choices (ask about any dietary requirements)

• Consider organic and/or fair-trade products

• Where possible source from independent, local sources

Supplier Environmental Reporting

• Does the supplier have a company Environmental Management System?

• Does the supplier report on their environmental performance against set targets?

• Does the supplier have a current, in-date environmental accreditation?

We will continue to review our procurement policy through annual reviews and updates, taking into account any changes within legislation, our organisation, and other factors.

We will convey this policy to all our employees and make certain that they all follow its criteria. Lindsey Raven Emrich has a designated responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of this policy.

Mayne Veterinary Clinic Ltd will make this policy available when requested to interested parties including members of the public, including making a copy available on the Mayne Veterinary Clinic website.