ESG - Environment - Boodle Hatfield

Your lawyers since 1722

Environment

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. Since 2021, we have implemented measures to reduce carbon emissions across our business and continue to prioritise reduction as our primary focus.

We actively monitor and manage our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through annual carbon footprint assessments. Our most recent assessment, independently conducted by Nature Positive on behalf of Climate Impact Partners, follows The Carbon Neutral Protocol 2024 and serves as our baseline for future targets.

Key reduction measures include:

Energy efficiency and renewable supply: Reducing energy consumption and ensuring our supply is certified as 100% renewable.
Technology optimisation: Migrating from onsite server equipment to cloud-based solutions, which are more energy-efficient.
Environmental controls: Actively monitoring and adjusting heating and cooling systems to optimise energy use and occupant comfort.
Equipment upgrades: Decommissioning outdated split-unit air conditioning systems to prevent refrigerant leaks and reduce energy consumption.
Lighting improvements: Replacing all halogen office lighting with energy-efficient LED alternatives.

We have also committed to science-aligned targets, developed in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology:

• A 42% absolute reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030.
• Continued procurement of 100% renewable energy.
• Ensuring 77% of suppliers (grouped by emissions risk) have science-based or science-aligned targets by 2030.

Our London headquarters at 240 Blackfriars Road exemplifies our sustainability commitments. The building boasts an impressive EPC rating of B (35) and BREEAM “Excellent” certification, is powered entirely by green energy, and provides no parking spaces to discourage car use. Its prominent location on the Cycle Superhighway further promotes low-carbon commuting options for employees and visitors alike.

For those emissions that we are currently unable to eliminate, we purchase independently verified carbon credits through Climate Impact Partners. This enables us to achieve CarbonNeutral® company certification for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, encompassing all business travel. These carefully selected projects not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits, such as improved health outcomes, community development, and biodiversity protection.

As part of our 2025 CarbonNeutral® company certification, we have supported the following projects:

Ecofiltro Clean Water and Cooking – Guatemala
Kulera REDD+ and Cookstoves – Malawi

Prior to that, for our 2024 CarbonNeutral® company certification, we supported:

Reforestation and Community Development – Ghana
Bondhu Chula Stoves – Bangladesh

All climate-related claims and references to offsetting are made in accordance with Climate Impact Partners’ guidelines and subject to review to ensure accuracy and transparency.

We are committed to embedding sustainability and social responsibility into our business. Beyond carbon reduction, offsetting, and sustainable building management, we actively pursue a wide range of practical measures that minimise our environmental impact, support local communities, and engage our staff in meaningful ways. The following outlines our ongoing efforts to promote responsible waste management, sustainable sourcing, charitable contributions, and staff-led environmental action, all of which are integral to our vision of a greener, more susainable future.

Waste

• Ensuring we provide staff with as many different recycling options as possible such as paper, cardboard, batteries, plastic, cans, glass, foil snack wrappers, food waste and coffee cups.
• Education around recycling, to increase recycling volumes and cut down on general waste.
• Reducing paper waste and cutting back on printing in all areas of the business.
• Where possible, upcycling redundant office furniture to local charities and community projects.

Sustainable purchased goods and services

• Partner with sustainable suppliers for goods and services.
• Request bicycles for inner London courier services in place of mopeds or vans.
• Book electric or hybrid vehicles for UK taxi travel.
• Support local SMEs and charitable organisations, such as Luminary Bakery — a London-based social enterprise that empowers women who have experienced social disadvantage.
• Prioritise UK-sourced products, including seasonal British catering ingredients, local London breweries and English sparkling wine for events. This not only reduces transport emissions but also supports local and often smaller businesses.

Donations

• We partner with charities such as Smart Works and Suited & Booted, donating uniforms and workwear to support individuals re-entering the workplace.
• Staff are encouraged to donate pre-loved towels and bedding, which are passed on to animal shelters and organisations like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Staff engagements, volunteering and events

Staff engagement and volunteering are central to our approach to environmental responsibility. Every team member receives dedicated “ESG hours” each year, empowering them to get involved in activities that make a real difference to our local environment and communities.

  • Hands-on volunteering: Colleagues regularly roll up their sleeves for Thames foreshore beach cleans in addition to volunteering session with Bankside Open Spaces Trust, where teams worked in a local green space clearing leaves, planting trees and pruning shrubs to help improve the area for the local community and wildlife.
  • Learning and awareness: We celebrate environmental awareness days with creative events, such as our Urban Bees workshop for World Bee Day, and encourage participation in national campaigns like the Big Butterfly Count and The Great British Beach Clean
  • Exploring green spaces: Staff are invited to discover local nature on our Green Spaces Tour, led by Better Bankside, learning about urban wildlife and community sustainability projects.
  • Behind the scenes: Exclusive recycling facility tours give our team a fascinating look at what happens to our office waste, inspiring us to recycle more and waste less.
  • Creative engagement: From photography competitions like “Boodle in Bloom” to food waste awareness days, we encourage everyone to get involved, share ideas, and celebrate our progress towards a greener future.

These activities are more than just events, they are opportunities for learning, teamwork, and making a positive impact. By coming together, we strengthen our sense of community and reinforce our shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

Return to our ESG vision

At Boodle Hatfield we understand the value of community, the importance of the environment and the significance of working and living in a diverse world. Founded on good governance and being a responsible business, we are committed to making a difference by shaping legacies towards a better future.