Environmental policy

Scope 

1. 1 Buckles Solicitors LLP recognise that all businesses impact on the environment in a variety of different ways. As such we are committed to the continual improvement of our environmental performance in relation to our services and operations. We will consider the environmental impact of decisions made in the management of our practice and the operation of our business. As a firm, prior to adopting this specific policy we have already undertaken various environmental initiatives such as introducing recycling, switching off unnecessary lights, switching off unnecessary printers and installing energy efficient bulbs and we continue to look at more ways to reduce our impact on the environment.  

1. 2 We have identified the following key environmental impacts associated with the provision of legal services: 

• • • Waste disposal/recycling 
    • Consumption of energy, water and other resources 
    • Production and disposal of correspondence and paper files 
    • Consumption of paper 
    • Consumption of printer cartridges
    • Travel to and from the office and to clients, court etc.  

1. 3 The company is committed to reducing these and other impacts and to the continual improvement to our environmental performance. Buckles has been a member of the Investors in the Environment accreditation programme since 2014, through which an Environmental Management System has been established.  Annual audits evaluate our environmental performance and on-going support throughout the year helps us to embed sustainability into how our business operations.   

1. 4 We are committed to working with our staff, customers, suppliers, investors, contractors, regulatory bodies and neighbours to achieve the following objectives: 

• • • Meet and where possible exceed all environmental regulations relevant to our organisation and its activities 
    • Increase cost-effectiveness by reducing our consumption of energy and raw materials 
    • Reduce waste, pollution and noise both locally and in the wider environment 
    • Systematically assess all aspects to our company 
    • Set targets for measurable annual improvements 
    • Make our progress available for independent assessment 
    • Aiming to become net-zero carbon by 2030 
    • Source recycled and sustainable products where possible 

1. 5 By making the business greener, more efficient and achieving cost effectiveness, the intention would be to release funds back into the firm for investment in the business and in the staff.  

1. 6 We will continually seek to improve our environmental performance, whilst ensuring we comply with legislation and other requirements related to energy use, consumption and efficiency. We will monitor and report on our energy use annually.  

1. 7 We will review environmental considerations when we source and select products and services and ensure that our suppliers are committed to environmental standards.  

1. 8 We will use our environmental management system to measure our performance. We will set benchmark objectives to enable us to assess our progress in reducing waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.  

1. 9 It is the responsibility of all employees, visitors and contractors to fully support this policy through active participation and co-operation. 

1. 10 This environmental policy will be displayed at all times and is openly available to all members of the public via our website – www.buckles-law.co.uk 

1. 11 The introduction and implementation of this policy is a commitment of Buckles Solicitors LLP management and a shared responsibility with our employees. The Service Delivery Manager has designated responsibility for day-day implementation of this policy.  

1. 12 This policy is reviewed annually.