Vet Sustain supports veterinary professionals to drive change towards a more sustainable future

The world is facing a multitude of complex and pressing challenges. Climate change, biodiversity depletion and public health pandemics are presenting existential threats to human civilisation and the natural world. Together we can make a difference.

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Vision

Our vision is for the veterinary profession to be enabled as leading forces for sustainability

Mission

Our mission is to enable and inspire veterinary professionals to continually improve the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment

Goals

With the intention of uniting the actions of veterinary professionals, we have created six goals for sustainability. Our Goals highlight the ways that veterinary professionals can, and do, play a key role in addressing the multiple challenges facing society.

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Diverse and abundant wildlife

Conserve and enhance natural landscapes, habitats and biological diversity and abundance of wild terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species.

A good life for animals

Safeguard and advocate for the health and welfare, in life and at the point of death, of animals under our care and those that are affected by human activity.

Net zero warming

Implement and promote decarbonisation through energy efficiency, the generation and use of renewable energy, mitigation of global warming and sequestration of carbon.

Health and wellbeing

Safeguard and enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of people and support a transition to livelihoods and lifestyles that are fit for the future.

A no-waste society

Minimise the usage and disposal of resources and materials, and support a transition to a circular economy.

Enough clean water for all

Uphold best practice in fresh water conservation and protection to mitigate water stress and prevent water pollution.

Objectives

Vet Sustain 2020- 2025 Strategic Plan
1

Cultivate a community of veterinary professionals to inspire & motivate sustainability actions

2

Develop and showcase balance and evidence-based approaches to sustainability decision-making in veterinary environments.

3

Become a 'go-to' trusted provider of veterinary sustainability training & education.

4

Embed a sustainable culture & support the integration of sustainability topics into the curriculum of all veterinary & veterinary nursing schools.

5

Equip vet-led businesses and organisations with the tools to implement sustainability policy and practices.

Meet the Vet Sustain team

Founded in 2019 by a group of veterinary professionals, the Vet Sustain team are volunteers who dedicate their time to championing the health of humans, animals and ecosystems.

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Laura Gelder-Robertson
CEO
MSc International Marketing, CISL Net Zero Alumni & Assessor, TEDx Speaker on Climate & Nature

Laura brings a wealth of business + sustainability experience as an Assessor in Net Zero on the CISL International Business short course and with 25 years experience consulting for big and small businesses globally in innovation - particularly in healthcare and retail. She facilitates leadership development for the senior Civil Service and we're delighted she's joined us to bring a fresh perspective to veterinary professionals around animal, people and planetary health.

Ed Bailey
Director & Chair
BVSc Cert AVP (Cattle) MRCVS, RCVS recognised advanced practitioner in cattle health and production

Practising as a farm animal vet, Ed works with farmers and the Soil Association to help maximise the environmental benefits of nature friendly farming. He is also Sustainability Lead for a large independent practice, helping embed sustainability as a core value.

David Black
Director
BVM&S DBR DVetMed MRCVS

Recognised as a specialist in cattle health and production by RCVS, David has dedicated his career to improving sustainability in dairy practice. David is a specialist advisor to many global and national committees and societies.

Zoe Halfacree
Director & Greener Veterinary Practice Working Group Member
MA VetMB CertVDI CertSAS FHEA DipECVS MRCVS

Recognised as an RCVS and EBVS specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Zoë has worked in academia and private practice and is a passionate advocate for sustainability, both within education and our daily clinical practices.

Laura Higham
Director
BVM&S MSc MRCVS

Focused on animal welfare and responsible antibiotic usage — Laura supports the food production industry to become sustainable through her work as a veterinary consultant in sustainable agriculture at FAI.

Nathan Rhys Williams
Director
BSc BVSc MRCVS

Champion of corporate sustainability and responsible investment projects through his current role as Head of Food and Health at Chronos Sustainability, Nathan has also worked with the Humane Slaughter Association and Compassion in World Farming International.

Jen Gale
Director
BVetMed, Dip Coaching, MRCVS

Founder of Sustainable(ish) - a platform and online community empowering and inspiring individuals to take eco-action. Jen is an author, a qualified coach and Carbon Literacy trainer, and previously worked in small animal practice for over 10 years.

Justine Shotton
Director
BVSc BSc MSc MRCVS

Justine is a well-known champion of environmental sustainability, conservation and animal welfare. She is currently the Head Vet for Wildlife and Exotics at the RSPCA, and a past BVA president (2021-2022), during which sustainability was her presidential theme.

Stephanie Sanderson
Director
MA VetMB MSc(WAH) MRCVS

With extensive experience in wildlife conservation over the last 25 yrs through various roles including leadership of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV), Stephanie has also contributed to policy development both at national and EU level.

Hannah Davies
Technical Content Lead
BVMS MRCVS, MA in International Animal Health

With experience in large animal clinical practice, academia and international development, Hannah is committed to driving education for sustainable development through her role as Technical Content Lead.

Our Six Goals for Sustainability

Working Groups

Our working groups have been formed by members of the Vet Sustain community. By joining together we’re able to work towards achieving our sustainability goals.

Our Six Goals for Sustainability

Food & Farming

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Greener Veterinary Practice

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Vet Curriculum

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Vet Sustain Equine Subgroup VES

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