Green achiever

Having been self-assessed on the scheme for a year and with a number of initiatives already in place the practice has made significant progress in reducing its consumption of energy, water and raw materials through, for example, the segregation of both clinical and non-clinical waste, with further separation of recyclable waste, energy-efficient LED and reflective fluorescent lighting and the use of digital X-rays, thus eliminating the need for traditional film-based chemicals.

Its achievement of gold status highlights recent environmental practices where Lane Ends’ changing policies and procedures have accommodated more eco-friendly systems.  These include the recent introduction of a text message appointment reminder service, which is not only appreciated by its patients but has significantly reduced the quantity of paper, envelopes and ink previously required when sending out postal reminders.  A change to its stock ordering policy will also benefit the environment.  Where once frequent, ordering now takes place on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This has reduced the quantity of cardboard delivery boxes and paper invoices but most significantly the number of delivery visits and fuel emission levels, and ultimately the practice’s carbon footprint.