Congratulations to LSA executive firm member Charles Russell Speechlys who have successfully completed the last day of seven environmental audits and been recommended for certification for its ISO 14001 environmental management system by the British Standards Institute (BSI). The auditor noted that the environmental system had been well implemented and that operational controls over the firm’s emissions were well maintained.
Leanne Stokes of CRS and Stanley Rayfield of Achill Management being presented with the certificate at BSI (British Standards Institute), Milton Keynes.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised management system implemented to reduce an organisation’s environmental impact. It puts sustainability into the firm’s operations, giving its management team the tools to control and reduce carbon emissions. Eight out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals directly link to ISO 14001, such as those related to clean energy; responsible consumption and climate action.
“The team were really engaged and it’s been a great project to lead on. Gaining ISO 14001 certification firmly puts best practice into the centre of CRS’s sustainability aims.”
Stanley Rayfield, who leads Achill Management’s work around ISO 14001
The certification demonstrates to a wider audience that the partnership has rigorous procedures in both managing its impact upon the environment and complying with environmental regulation, which is attractive to both potential clients and talent. CRS are building on previous successes, both with reducing carbon emissions from energy consumption and a previous win at the Corporation of London’s ‘Clean City’ awards scheme.
“The rigorous process of achieving ISO 14001 certification requires a whole firm approach, engagement from senior leadership is vital. For CRS to achieve its net zero target, sustainability needs to become cultural and that’s what this achievement will help us to deliver.”
Kerry Stares, Partner and Director of Responsible Business and Pro Bono, Charles Russell Speechlys
Charles Russell Speechlys have annual reduction objectives that include reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions generally. BSI will independently monitor their success with surveillance audits at the three offices. We are confident that they will continue to build on this achievement and the LSA will be here to support them every step of the way.
“ISO14001 is not a tick box, compliance process – used properly it’s a powerful lever to create change for the better for the environment. For law firms, especially those who are members of the LSA, achieving the standard is a clear signal to clients, colleagues and other stakeholders that you are taking action on sustainability. We are delighted that many LSA members including Lester Aldridge, Linklaters, TLT, Womble Bond Dickinson, Taylor Wessing, Ward Hadaway, Burges Salmon and DLA Piper have been awarded ISO 14001.”
Amanda Carpenter, The LSA
If your firm is interested in ISO 14001 certification, please email [email protected]. If your firm is an LSA member and has achieved ISO 14001 certification is not listed above please contact us at [email protected].