Sharpe Pritchard reduces its carbon footprint by 13% in one year

In a significant environmental milestone, leading law firm Sharpe Pritchard has achieved an impressive 13 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint per employee – marking a substantial stride in their commitment to sustainability.

This remarkable accomplishment comes alongside the firm’s continued growth and achieving Planet Mark certification for a second consecutive year.

The firm’s environmental impact was measured on five metrics – its building, staff travel, waste, water and procurement, with the impact of home working also noted, but not included in the overall calculation of the firm’s carbon footprint.

The current carbon footprint is a direct result of a number of key office initiatives aimed at environmental responsibility, which has received positive engagement across the firm.

These range from the formation of a net zero and sustainability task force and a supplier audit, to recycling bins being placed throughout the office, all office supplies being delivered by electric vehicles and where it’s necessary to print a new tree is planted for every tree’s worth of printing through Printrelief.

As an organisation, they have eliminated scope 1 and 2 emissions, thanks to using 100 per cent renewable electricity backed by ergonomically sustainable sources.

Whilst the total carbon footprint of the average law firm in the UK stands at approximately 39,532 tCO2e, at Sharpe Pritchard our Carbon Footprint is 14.0 tCO2e.

At the same time, Planet Mark assessed that Sharpe Pritchard has made a total social value contribution of £436,419, or £4,576 per employee.

The bulk of the firm’s assessed social value came from its people, which was assessed at £214,358, and its environmental impacts, which were assessed at £210,519.

Justin Mendelle, Senior Partner at Sharpe Pritchard, said: “The renewal of our Planet Mark certification is more than just a recognition; it is a reflection of our firm’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

“While we celebrate our progress, we are also acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Our focus remains on continuous improvement, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our environment.”