The benefits
Taking sustainability into consideration in purchasing decisions is not merely about being seen to be green, there are many potential business benefits. Recent CIPD research reveals that more than 50 percent of people would prefer to work for a company with a strong environmental policy and clients are increasingly asking their legal advisers to demonstrate their green credentials. Being ahead of the game can give firms competitive advantage, but equally, as more firms build environmental considerations into the procurement process it will drive suppliers to develop more, better and cheaper low-carbon products and services. So it really is a win-win situation.
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Business case
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Example
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| Reduced exposure to reputation risk | Strengthened brand, enhanced community relationships, etc |
| Competitive advantage | Both public and private sector clients assess law firms on environmental credentials |
| Cost savings | Lower consumption of energy and other resources |
| Attract and retain talent | Employees are increasingly concerned with firms' environmental credentials |
| Anticipating legal obligation | Being ahead of the game on legislative requirements to reduce carbon consumption |