Lyons Davidson Becomes UK’s First Law Firm to

Lyons Davidson Solicitors has gained ISO 14001 certification, making it the UK’s first law firm to achieve the internationally recognised environmental management system (EMS) standard. “We are extremely proud to have gained ISO 14001,” says Lyons Davidson’s Senior Associate and Head of Environment, Health & Safety, Richard Voke. Why ISO 14001? “Lyons Davidson had become increasingly environmentally aware and active, set up an internal Green Office Group to develop environmental initiatives and, of course, met all legal requirements – but we wanted to do more,” says Richard Voke. “We decided ISO 14001 was the way forward.” Effort and Reward Supported by environmental organisation Envolve, Lyons Davidson chose to take the phased BS 8555 route to ISO 14001. Envolve provided training and auditing services at each stage of the process. However, Lyons Davidson decided to develop its own systems and written procedures, wanting the firm’s EMS to work and satisfy all its needs. It did not want to use consultants for this, or use or adapt existing models. At the end of the process, Lyons Davidson selected assessment organisation SGS to verify its EMS. “We chose SGS as our ISO 14001 auditors as they were recommended by Envolve,” says Richard Voke. “The SGS staff were professional, efficient, helpful and friendly. “ISO 14001 involved a lot of hard work. Before certification, we had to ensure all the systems and procedures were in place and that staff were aware of their responsibilities under the EMS. “Now we have ISO 14001, our work is far from over. We must continue to improve our environmental performance through our EMS, as we will be re-audited annually. “ISO 14001 shows our employees that their environmental efforts are being recognised. It also shows our clients and potential clients that we take environmental sustainability seriously.” Environmental Initiatives Lyons Davidson’s environmental commitments include: compliance with all relevant legislation; the prevention of local and global pollution; and continual improvement in environmental performance. Among its particular environmental initiatives, the firm: encourages double-sided printing; recycles paper and plastic cups; promotes car sharing; uses an electronic file management system, which helps to reduce paper consumption; promotes energy efficiency; and recycles IT equipment. Ends

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