Gregg Latchams LLP has been shortlisted for the 2013 Legal Sector Alliance Award for Excellence in Environmental Responsibility.
The firm has been recognised by the Law Society’s judging panel for its engagement and commitment to influencing the communities it belongs to, to consider environmental issues and solutions.
The firm’s environmental strategy is part of its social responsibility. Gregg Latchams LLP considers climate change to be a substantial challenge affecting its business, staff, clients, and the communities to which it belongs. The firm sees it as its role to help inform and promote debate amongst those stakeholders of the issues and opportunities that climate change will create.
Internal responsibility
Starting internally, Gregg Latchams implemented green initiatives resulting in the outstanding achievement of reducing its energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 27% over the past year for which the firm was recognised by winning the West of England Carbon Challenge Champion Award and the Bristol Law Society Environmental and Legal Sector Alliance Award two years in a row.
This demonstrable reduction of the impact of firm activities on the environment is a key condition to establish Gregg Latchams LLP’s credentials in this area.
Reaching out
Also forming part of its strategy is the development of the firm’s “green law” practice whose members’ increasing awareness of the impact of environmental issues enables the firm to provide its clients with more rounded advice.
The firm raises awareness of environmental issues at networking groups it is part of including Low Carbon South West, Pure Leapfrog, UK Environmental Law Association, Green Capital Momentum Group, as well as its clients by keeping them informed of changes to law through its monthly Business Club breakfast events and through the implementation of the green law sector.
Networking groups and events act as great platforms for the firm from which to build relationships with likeminded businesses in the area with which it can exchange tips on how to continue reducing carbon emissions.
Getting actively involved in events surrounding the environment provides Gregg Latchams LLP with new opportunities to sponsor good causes and support its community. The firm made the Bristol Green Capital Pledge, helping Bristol become the European Green Capital 2015.
Paul Hardman, Partner and key member in the development of the firm’s green law sector said the following on the firm’s achievement: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for this award which reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of every member of the Gregg Latchams staff to address the firm’s environmental footprint and to engage with the complexities of carbon reduction legislation.”
The winner of the award will be announced on 22 October 2013 at an award ceremony in London.