Contents

1. Purpose of Policy
2. Our Commitments
3. Key Actions
   • Waste Management
   • Energy and Water Efficiency
   • Sustainable Procurement
   • Transport and Field Visits
   • Consumables and Materials
   • Education and Engagement
   • Monitoring and Review
   • Responsibilities

1. Purpose

Torch Farm & Equine Ltd is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability across all areas of operation. This policy is informed by, and will be in accordance with, applicable UK environmental legislation, including (but not limited to) Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environmental Act 2021, Waste (England & Wales) Regulations 2011, Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, and COSHH Regulations 2002. We recognise our responsibility to protect the natural environment and support the health and well-being of everyone in the company, including employees, contractors, clients we work with, the animals in our care, and the communities we work with.

2. Our Commitments

We aim to:

• Maintain simple, clear procedures that reduce environmental harm.
• Make environmental responsibility an integral part of all our work.
• Assess the environmental impact of all new projects before starting and as they progress.
• Use energy, water, and materials efficiently and prioritise reduction, reuse, and recycling wherever possible.
• Offer clients environmentally beneficial alternatives to specified materials or methods, where safe and appropriate, and maintain examples of such alternatives in practice.
• Keep up to date with developments in products and procedures to improve our practices and environmental impact.
• Encourage subcontractors to adopt the same principles.
• Prepare and follow emergency procedures for spills or environmental incidents, including reporting to authorities when required.
• Provide training and support so all colleagues can act responsibly and safely.

3. Key Actions

• Waste Management
• Ensure all waste is managed in accordance with the Duty of Care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, including the use of registered waste carriers and retention of waste transfer or consignment notes for the legally required period.
• Segregate and recycle items, paper, and packaging, where appropriate to minimise
• Use digital records to reduce paper usage.
• Dispose of pharmaceuticals and hazardous materials legally and responsibly.

(ii) Energy and Water Efficiency

• Use energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems where
• Monitor and reduce water usage in all areas, where clinically appropriate.

(iii) Sustainable Procurement

• Choose suppliers with strong environmental credentials.
• Prioritise biodegradable, recyclable, and low-impact products.
• Consider product lifecycle, packaging, and disposal when making purchasing decisions

(iv) Transport and Field Visits

• Maintain vehicles for optimal fuel efficiency.
• Encourage carpooling and route/visit planning to reduce fuel use (TB testing diaries, Zone visits, etc.).
• Explore electric or hybrid options for fleet renewal.

(v) Consumables and Materials

We recognise that veterinary and field-based work requires the use of significant quantities of single-use consumables to maintain hygiene, biosecurity, and clinical safety.

To mitigate environmental impact, we will:

• Use refillable containers (e.g. for lubricants, disinfectants such as Hibiscrub, and spirits) where appropriate
• Re-sterilise and reuse equipment where it is safe, compliant, and clinically appropriate
• Seek opportunities to reduce packaging and trial more sustainable product alternatives where feasible
• Regularly review consumables usage and identify areas for reduction without compromising safety or welfare.

(vi) Education and Engagement

• Encourage colleagues to seek out training opportunities on sustainability practices.
• Share tips with clients on eco-friendly animal care and farm management.
• Promote responsible medicine use and educate clients on preventative healthcare.
• Encourage suggestions on sustainability ideas and areas for improvement from all colleagues via the Wellbeing Team.

(vii) Monitoring and Review

We will:

• Review this policy annually.
• Monitor progress through audits and staff feedback.
• Update practices in line with new guidance and technologies.

4. Responsibilities

Torch Directors, Operations Manager & HR Coordinator have been appointed to oversee environmental matters. These individuals are responsible for auditing compliance and regularly reviewing this policy.