Environmental Practice of the Year (sponsored by Hudson Eyewear) S G Eyecare
S G Eyecare were announced as the winners of the Environmental Practice of the Year Award (sponsored by Hudson Eyewear) in April.
Sarah’s leadership in achieving carbon-neutral certification through NetZero Optics, alongside careful auditing of offset projects, demonstrates an exceptional and credible commitment to environmental responsibility. S G Eyecare’s comprehensive circular economy approach – including recycling, frame refurbishment, preloved schemes, and reducing plastic usage – is supported by ethical supplier selection and ongoing environmental impact assessments. By empowering staff to propose and lead green initiatives, the team embedded sustainability into everyday culture and increased patient awareness, while aligning the practice with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and wider community initiatives such as local sports sponsorship. Their clear, measurable carbon reduction plan and ambition to achieve BCorp status further reflect long-term environmental leadership and accountability.
We caught up with Suzi from the practice abour their win:
What does winning Environmental Practice of the Year mean to you and your team?
It’s a huge honour, and validation for all of the hard work and passion that drives us. We care very deeply about minimising our impact on the planet and to be recognised for that is a proud moment for the whole team.
When you think about what makes your practice truly special, what stands out most?
We are lucky enough to have an incredible group of people who whilst a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds and interests all genuinely enjoy each other’s company. This has created a light hearted environment with a real sense of fun which in turn impacts the patient experience.
Beyond the accolades, what keeps you passionate about what you do every single day?
Our passion for the environment is deep rooted and has become part of the culture here. Seeing how patients are becoming increasingly engaged with our efforts spurs us on which in turn leads to more conversations and more ideas being generated. We’re never afraid to try new things which keeps it exciting!
Take us back to the moment your name was announced — what was going through your mind?
Honestly? I really don’t want to have to go up there and have my photo taken!! Plus a wave of pride on behalf of the whole team. We ask a lot of them and they embrace every challenge with good humour.
How have you celebrated this win, and what has the reaction been from patients, staff and your local community?
We haven’t really had a chance to stop and celebrate yet! It’s been a busy few weeks but we will take time out soon to reflect and enjoy it. I have no doubt that a few bottles of bubbly will be involved!
The reaction from our patients has been wonderful. We’re in a small market town and the award is on proud display in the window. Lots of people have popped in to congratulate us. We are especially lucky to have won the Somerset Business Award for Sustainability and Environment a few weeks prior to the SightCare Awards so the window display is especially celebratory at present!
What’s next for the practice — are there any sustainability plans or ambitions you can share with us?
The immediate next step is the installation of a rainwater flush system for the loo and an audit of our plastic consumption with the aim of becoming plastic neutral.
Longer term, our B Corp journey will begin and the last of our non sustainable brands will be phased out. We are in the process of developing a kids club to engage them with our efforts and encourage more outside exploration. The whole team are always on the lookout for environmentally positive swaps and I’m sure this will continue to generate some great innovations. I’m genuinely excited to see where we go next.
