Climate Care Program – March Update

Katie Sheehan
Published by
March 22, 2023

February was an exciting month for us at VfCA with the launch of the Climate Care Program! We’re thrilled to be sharing this groundbreaking program that’s helping vet teams reduce their environmental impact, lower costs, add value, and protect the habitats of the animals we love and care for. The program is open to all veterinary practices located within Australia and if you register before March 31, you’ll receive a 30% discount off the annual subscription fee. Head to our website to find out how you can become one of Australia’s inaugural Climate Champions.

Check out what else we’ve been up to and some of the exciting events we have planned…


Quicklinks >   


 NEWS & EVENTS


Did you catch last week’s masterclass on Creating a Team Culture of Sustainability?
VfCA volunteer and Climate Care Program contributor Dr Mariane Morin shared her experience of overcoming workplace challenges to becoming environmentally sustainable and how she involved her team. This is a great introduction to the Climate Care Program. Watch the video here.


Vet Ed Down Under Symposium (6-9 February), Perth
VfCA was represented by volunteer and Climate Care Program contributor Terry George at the recent Vet Ed Down Under Symposium. Terry gave an engaging presentation called Sustainability in Veterinary Education. With over 100 people in attendance and having just launched, this was a timely opportunity to showcase the Climate Care Program!


COMING UP: Free online Masterclass – Carbon Cost of Veterinary Anaesthesia | 17 April
Of the commonly available inhalational anaesthetic agents, Isoflurane is currently the most widely used in veterinary practice, being well recognised as safe and cost effective. However Isoflurane carries a high carbon cost. For a medium size small animal practice it is responsible for about 7% of the carbon footprint. 

Join our free masterclass to hear Dr Donna White, accomplished presenter and specialist Veterinary Anaesthetist, and VfCA Volunteer Dr Jeremy Watson to begin the discussion around the transition to a zero carbon anaesthesia, without compromising patient safety. Read more and register here.


COMING UP: Visit us at the VNCA and AVA Annual Conferences
VfCA are heading to the VNCA Conference in Perth (19-21 April) and AVA Conference in Adelaide (28 May - 2 June). We’d love for you to visit our stands and say hello to our friendly staff and attend our presentations listed below. Also, please let us know if you're available to volunteer to help our team at these events!

  • VNCA | 20.4.23 @ 4pm | Terry George | Empowering your team to tackle climate change – VfCA Climate Care Program (read the abstract).
  • AVA | 30.5.23 @ 2.30pm | Dr Jeannet Kessels | Creating a legacy – for practice owners wanting to do good in the long term. How to structure your practice to run well without you. 
  • AVA | 31.5.23 @ 2.30pm | speaker to be announced | Caring for Climate in the Clinic – hear the experiences of practices implementing sustainable change and learn actionable tips to making your practice more environmentally friendly.


Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification for the Climate Care Program!
Did you know that Climate Champions may be eligible for CPD Points? The Climate Care Program is a recognised professional development course with the relevant materials to make a credentialed course eligible for CPD. Find out more.


In case you missed it… climate and sustainability news

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 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Take a look at our recently published inspirational stories about clinics taking steps to measure, reduce and offset their emissions.

Brimbank Vet Clinic – more sustainability success
Read more


Greater Springfield Veterinary – winning with water and waste
Read more

South Wairarapa Veterinary Services – planting trees for a new tomorrow
Read more


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 DO YOU KNOW...

… that being energy efficient is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint? By reducing your energy use, you'll decrease the greenhouse gas emissions your practice is responsible for, which means reducing your impact on global warming. And you'll also save money! For a sneak peek at what you'll learn in Energy Efficiency module of the Climate Care Program, click on the image below to watch a short YouTube video...


And speaking of energy efficiency... Would you like funding to purchase energy efficient equipment upgrades?
This grant opportunity provides small and medium businesses up to $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. The grants can be used on a range of energy efficiency measures which could include installing heat pumps, lighting upgrades, space and water heating improvements and energy monitoring systems. Applications close Wednesday 19 April 2023 5:00pm AEST. Check eligibility criteria and apply.

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Help us spread the word... If you know others who might be interested in the Climate Care Program, be sure to tell them they can find out everything they need to know by visiting our website!

Be sure to follow Vets for Climate Action on our social media channels! 

Regards,
The Climate Care Program Team

PS – Don’t forget there’s a 30% discount off annual subscriptions if you register before the end of March! And if you'd like a bit more information on the Climate Care Program, click here to get all the details.

 

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