Our Sustainability and Environmental Policy

At Church End Dental Centre, we recognize that our actions can impact the environment and that we are responsible for minimising that impact. We are committed to promoting sustainability in our operations and reducing our environmental footprint. Our sustainability policy outlines our commitments to sustainability and the measures we will or have taken to achieve them.



Our policy consists of but not limited to the following points:

·      We reduce our energy consumption by turning off lights and equipment when not in use and using energy-efficient appliances. We have installed motion sensors for the lights in the communal areas. Our computers are programmed to switch off at night automatically to save energy. Our printer and scanners have auto-switch off when not in use.

·      We reduce our water consumption by using low-flow fixtures and promptly fixing any leaks. We have fitted sensor taps in our staff and patients’ toilets.

·      We have reduced our paper usage by minimizing the use of printed materials and by using digital communication and record-keeping whenever possible.

·      We are now 95% paper-free practice. Paper is only used when necessary to carry out our patient duties. Paper is mainly used for patients that are unable to use digital technology or platforms.

·      We have lowered the use of NHS paper-based stationery by 98%.

·      All our communications are digital. We send all our appointments, reminders, and automated recalls digitally by text or email. All our referrals are via digital platforms.

·      Our digital patient portal allows our patients to fill in their pre-appointment documentation online 24/7, reducing the need for paper by 100%.

·      Where we have to use paper, we use recycled and eco-friendly varieties from suppliers with sustainably sourced products and with carbon neutral/low carbon footprint

·      We have been using digital X-rays for the last 15 years. We do not use any chemicals for our X-rays.

·      We recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal wherever possible and will dispose of hazardous and clinical waste appropriately according to Environment Agency and HTM01-05 guidelines.

·      We minimise the use of toxic cleaning products and will use environmentally friendly alternatives wherever possible.

·      All our surgeries are fitted with amalgam waste separators so that no amalgam is released into the drains.

·      We will purchase environmentally sustainable products, including those made from recycled materials, wherever possible.

·      We will promote the use of sustainable transportation methods by encouraging public transportation, carpooling, and cycling. We have installed a cycle stand outside of the surgery. Surgery’s transport links for staff and patients are excellent. We have a bus stop just outside the surgery. The tube station is a 3-5 minute walk. We are part of the cycle-to-work government scheme.

·      We educate our staff and patients about sustainability and encourage them to participate in our sustainability initiatives.

·      We promote the use of reusable and washable items where possible without compromising safety and a high standard of cleanliness.

·      Where we cannot reuse materials such as PPEs and bibs, we source eco-friendly or biodegradable alternatives where available.

·      We purchase products in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

·      We source products locally wherever possible to reduce our carbon footprint.

·      We reduce our waste by minimizing single-use items like plastic cutlery and packaging.

·      We promote sustainability in our community by participating in local sustainability initiatives and events. We have sponsored trees locally and contributed to NHS Forest.

·      We will use LED lighting wherever possible to reduce energy consumption.

·      We will promote the use of reusable water bottles by our staff. All staff have been allocated a water bottle in practice to refill and use to reduce the need for plastic cups and bottles.

·      We have placed water bottles in the older toilet cisterns to reduce water use without affecting the quality of the flush. And have installed dual flush where possible.

·      We have installed hand driers in our toilets to stop using hand towels for hand drying.

·      Our toilet paper is made from recyclable material.

·      Our property is double-glazed.

·      We use an electric supplier that produces most of their electricity via renewable sources. And that their Gas supply is fully carbon offset.

·      We regularly service our boilers and have GAS safe certification. The heating is turned off during the night. We have temperature gauges throughout the practice. The thermostat is set between 16-20C. The heating is turned down or switched off where not needed.

·      We limit the use of AC units to when cooling is absolutely necessary for summer, and PPEs make it uncomfortable for staff and patients. They are regularly serviced for the best efficiency.

·      We recently installed a new energy-efficient heating tank, and temperatures are set according to the latest guidelines.

·      We will encourage our suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and prioritize suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

·      We will strive to purchase ethically sourced products with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

·      We will invest in high-quality, durable and energy-efficient equipment to reduce the need for frequent replacements and disposals.

·      We will encourage staff to carpool or use public transportation for commuting to work. We have an electric car charger for staff. The majority of our staff have electric or hybrid cars.

·      We will monitor and report on our greenhouse gas emissions and develop a plan to reduce them.

·      We will consider implementing a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption for toilet flushes, window cleaning and garden watering.

·      We are committed to continually improving our sustainability performance and promoting a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for our community and the environment.

·      We will regularly review and evaluate our sustainability policies and procedures and update them as necessary.

·      We will communicate our sustainability policy and progress to our stakeholders, including staff, patients, suppliers, and the community.

·      We will use digital marketing and social media to reduce our reliance on printed marketing materials.

·      We have commissioned an independent professional carbon assessor to calculate our carbon footprint. We aim to do all we can to minimise/reduce our carbon footprint. Where we cannot, we will offset our carbon footprint via a dedicated carbon offset programme to become carbon neutral.

·      We will endeavour to achieve a recognised accreditation in Sustainability in due course.