CVS Group, a provider of veterinary services in the UK and Australia, are reducing isoflurane consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions across their equine referral hospitals in an effort to provide greener veterinary care.
Isoflurane is a widely used volatile anaesthetic agent in equine surgery and is also a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). When released into the atmosphere, volatile anaesthetics contribute to climate change, with isoflurane possessing a global warming potential many hundreds of times greater than carbon dioxide. For this reason, anaesthetic gases are increasingly recognised as a key opportunity for reducing emissions across human and veterinary healthcare.
The initiative, which has been led by Luís Filipe Louro, EBVS Specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia at CVS Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, has been delivered across five CVS Equine referral hospitals.
The project analysed 414 general anaesthetic procedures across two audit periods – June – September 2022 (pre-intervention) and June – September 2023 (post-intervention).
Reduction in GHG emissions
By optimising fresh gas flow rates, improving analgesia, and promoting the safe and effective use of low‑flow anaesthesia, the five CVS equine referral hospitals reduced their total isoflurane usage by 9.6% and oxygen usage by 17.9%.
This resulted in an overall reduction in GHG emissions from anaesthetic gases of 9.6%, falling from 14.6 to 13.2 tonnes of CO₂e over the four-month study periods.
“Our results highlight the enormous potential for veterinary teams to reduce anaesthetic gas emissions through structured training, regular equipment checks, and a shift towards evidence‑based low‑flow techniques,” said Luis.
“It shows we can become significantly more sustainable without compromising safety.”
‘Meaningful action’
“By embedding sustainable anaesthesia practices across our equine referral network, CVS is demonstrating how veterinary groups can take meaningful action on climate responsibility,” continued Luis.
“Our group now plans to extend this work further, supporting its equine hospitals to adopt low‑flow anaesthesia consistently, invest in efficient anaesthetic equipment and encouraging wider profession‑wide engagement.
“I’m incredibly proud of the CVS Equine teams for embracing this work and demonstrating what is possible.”
Image © CVS Equine.
