Impact on the Environment

At IBB Solicitors, we recognise that our offices, our ways of working, and our purchasing decisions have an environmental impact. Therefore, it is our responsibility that we ensure everything we do has a positive impact on the world around us.

Our Mission 
IBB Solicitors are committed to applying the principles of responsible environmental management in all aspects of its business operations.

It is our mission to:

• Continually improve the energy efficiency of our premises and to reduce energy consumption.
• Focus on waste minimisations by introducing ‘recover and re-use’ office materials
• Work with suppliers to eliminate packaging, materials and components that generate waste.
• Manage the disposal of waste to minimise environmental harm.
• Inform and educate all employees on environmental issues relevant to IBB Solicitors and the environment around them

Our Policy 
Designated personnel
We employ a full-time, on-site Facilities Manager whose role encompasses environmental issues relating to green housekeeping and energy conservation initiatives.

Reducing reliance on paper
The use of email, desktop faxing, online access, data storage, and online diaries are actively encouraged. All confidential waste is recycled and approximately 60% of other paper and cardboard is also recycled.

The majority of our marketing newsletters and invitations to events are conveyed over email. In addition, our brochures can be downloaded from our website. Investment in a CRM marketing database helps us to store more information online.

Recycling and waste management
We have an ongoing programme of recycling plastic bottles and ink cartridges. IT equipment is disposed of in accordance with the WEE Regulations and our new contracts provide for the supplier to dispose of redundant equipment in the proper manner.

Building awareness
Email bulletins are used to inform our people about recycling facilities. Our environmental measures have also been promoted in an internal newsletter. The environmental policy is also detailed in the firm’s Office Manual which is accessible to all our people on the firm’s intranet.

Energy efficiency
All heating plant is regularly maintained to ensure maximum efficiency and external lighting is controlled by light sensors. Our largest office has energy efficient intelligent lighting, sensor operated lights in common parts and modern air-conditioning.

Travel
We aim to minimise the amount and nature of travel that we undertake. In particular, we provide free storage spaces for bicycles, encourage car sharing and have invested in video conferencing to reduce travel to meetings

External Suppliers
Relevant suppliers are requested to submit details of their green policies. We also encourage works contractors to take all waste off-site and recycle it through their own means.

Our Procedures
The following policies have been put into place to help reduce waste and harmful emissions throughout all of IBB’s offices:

• Recycling bins on every office floor
• Secure destruction bins which are used for confidential documentation and then recycled via a contractor
• Training has been provided on photocopiers and printers to reduce the amount of paper used by any one person
• Secure bicycle parking is offered at all offices
• Cleaners are instructed to turn off all lights in all premises at the end of their shift
• Emails are used instead of internal mail where applicable
• Video conferencing has been installed to cut travel
• A paperless fax system has been introduced, which all staff are fully trained on.
• Staff have been trained on paperless diaries on their PCs
• All toners are now recycled by the contractors that supply them

What are the impacts of recycling?

• Protects the climate
• Avoids greenhouse gases emissions
• Protects the environment
• Reduces pollution
• Reduces waste
• Prevents global warning
• Prevents land destruction
• Conserves natural resources
• Reduces risks from environmental hazards
• Improves efficiency