Overview

Freehills’ Environmental Policy is focused on making a difference at every level in the firm—from what paper we use in our print rooms to what modes of transport we use to get around.  Our policy, which is closely aligned to our core business strategy, is endorsed by our Board and managed by our Environmental Committee. In our drive to reduce our carbon footprint, responsibility for the implementation of the policy on a day-to-day basis lies with every single Freehills employee.

We provide bike cages and showers for our people, to encourage them to cycle to and from work, and to encourage them to use public transport for business meetings, we provide bus and train tickets. We limit the use of plastic and polystyrene in all our kitchens and we carefully manage the amount of food prepared to prevent waste. We recycle paper, toner cartridges and other office equipment, and we re-use packaging. We file electronically, and we use tele- and video conferencing to reduce the need for unnecessary travel. We work with our building managers to ensure that the basic property-related initiatives are in place, such as light sensors and water saving taps. We also actively seek to establish relationships with suppliers who have a demonstrated alignment with our Environmental Policy.

Through Freehills Foundation we are also committed to making a positive environmental difference within the communities in which we operate. For example, Freehills staff volunteer their time to work on a range of projects, from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in Perth to the Botanic Gardens Trust in Sydney. We also gift-match all workplace donations made to charities with environmental causes.

We know that we can do more to reduce our carbon footprint and to create a positive environmental impact within the communities in which we operate. We take this very seriously, as do all our staff. We remain committed to this cause and I look forward to sharing with you news of further initiatives in this space as they evolve.