Animalcare has achieved carbon neutral status as part of its commitment to run its business sustainably.  The company undertook a detailed assessment of its carbon emissions earlier this year and has since worked to reduce them, while instituting offsetting measures, such as tree-planting, to enable it to become carbon neutral.

Animalcare’s carbon emissions assessment report was undertaken by Carbon Footprint Ltd, which helps organisations to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.  Some of the company’s highest carbon-emitting activities related to business travel and have been reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but Animalcare is continuing to adopt measures, such as virtual meetings, to ensure that emissions in this area do not rise again once travel restrictions are lifted.  It is also evaluating renewable energy suppliers for its headquarters in York.  To offset its emissions, the company is participating in the Brazil Verified Carbon Standard REED project, which is working to prevent unplanned deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest.

In addition, to support a further reduction of carbon in the atmosphere in the UK, Animalcare is working on a project to plant more than 200 native British broad-leaved trees at venue close to its headquarters later this year.  As well as the environmental benefits to wildlife and human well-being they offer, trees sequester carbon and, in so doing, help to mitigate the impact of human activity.

Commenting, Animalcare Product Manager Kai Crawshaw said: “Our responsibility as an animal health company extends beyond helping our veterinary colleagues to care for sick and vulnerable animals. We also take our responsibility to the environment, both at home and globally, very seriously.

“As some aspects of our work, for instance the packaging of our products, are governed by regulation so beyond our direct control, we are focusing strongly on what we actually can do to make a difference.  We have already taken steps to reduce and offset our carbon emissions and are looking forward to helping to improve our local environment by planting more trees.  It is an exciting journey and we are very proud to have achieved carbon neutral status.”