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Vet Sustain developing carbon calculator for practices
It is hoped the calculator will be accessible via the Vet Sustain website by 2022.

Calculator uses date entry from a practice's utility records.

The first-ever carbon calculator for veterinary practices could be launched as soon as Spring 2022, the BVA has announced.

The calculator is being developed by social enterprise Vet Sustain in collaboration with the BVNA, BVA, BSAVA and SPVS to provide veterinary practice teams with the ability to work out their carbon emissions. 

It comes amid mounting concerns over the environment and pressing government and corporate targets for reducing carbon emissions. 

“BVA is committed to supporting the veterinary profession to be more sustainable and is proud to be supporting this new resource," commented Justine Shotton, president of the BVA. "The carbon calculator will help veterinary teams to assess their carbon footprint and enable them to identify the ways in which they can practically reduce their impact on the environment."

First developed by Investors in the Environment, the calculator wil use data entry from a practice's utility records. It is hoped that the tool will be accessible via the Vet Sustain website by Spring 2022. 

"This tool will add to the suite of currently available tools such as the Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist and the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme, which can help veterinary workplaces to operate more sustainably," commented BVA presidnet, Justine Shotton.

"We strongly encourage members of the profession to engage with these tools and look forward to the new carbon calculator.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.