Double success for Woodhouse team

We’re delighted that we are a national awards finalist and – for the first time – have been certified as carbon neutral.

We are a finalist in the sustainability category at the 2024 Optician Awards. It’s an award we won in 2022 and we’ll be in London in November to see if we can do it again!

The shortlisting comes at the same time we have been declared carbon neutral. This is achieved by a business when there is a balance between the carbon dioxide (CO2) it releases into the atmosphere and the CO2 it removes from it.

We worked initially with the Lancashire Chamber Low Carbon programme and then with consultants 2030hub. Our greenhouse gas emissions were first calculated across waste generated running the practice, business travel and staff commutes.

The 4.95 tonnes of CO2 were then offset using an approved carbon offset plan. This helped avoid methane emissions from landfill in Brazil.

Offsetting carbon emissions

Director Sukie Woodhouse said: “We are delighted that our efforts to limit our CO2 emissions and then to offset what we cannot yet remove means that we have been officially recognised as carbon neutral for 2023.

“And to have our actions recognised in national awards is very satisfying. Hopefully, we can help other high street businesses believe they can make changes that will have an impact.”

Patients can see our environmental commitment in practice, from our actions whiteboard, with current sustainability activity, to our recycling bins, pre-loved frames and art made from recycled plastics.

We have made a conscious decision to work with businesses who can demonstrate their own  commitment. Our lenses are produced using 100% renewable energy and many of the frames we stock are made entirely from recycled marine plastic or plant-based materials.

Other green initiatives include recycling all contact lenses and damaged frames. We have also filled eco-bricks with plastic wrapping and bags. These have then been used to create an outdoor area at the practice where we have grown potatoes and tomatoes.

Wish us luck!