Sustainability: How your changes can make a difference

In light of sharing their top tips on how to become more climate conscious, Sustainability Committee members Lynsey Whelan, Anne Littlejohn and Peter Brash share how small or large changes can make a difference when done collectively.

The Sustainability Committee are getting ready to launch a campaign featuring achievable actions to become more climate conscious. Whether that's in your business or personal lives, over the next year you will discover ways in which we can help the planet and therefore lessen the effects of climate change. 

In the meantime, find out below how our committee members were influenced to make their own changes. 

Lynsey Whelan, Senior Associate, Burness Paull LLP

My interest in climate change, sustainability and the impact that we can all have increased significantly during trips abroad (which admittedly were on a plane!). I noticed a huge difference in the approach taken in different countries (for example the Netherlands, Denmark and the USA) in relation to environmentally friendly travelling options (walking, cycling, public transport and driving), recycling and re-using.

To some extent it was frustrating to see, but in other ways it has encouraged me to double down on my own efforts and recognising that progress over perfection is key. Wherever possible I’ve tried to factor in environmental and sustainability considerations into my choices: eg. walking/cycling/public transport over driving and reducing waste and recycling as much as possible e.g. avoiding singe use items and reducing my meat consumption.

Applying this approach in a professional capacity, I’ve been really pleased to see the progress at companies where I’ve worked. Some examples include – significantly improved recycling opportunities, use of beehives, environmental awareness and tree planting and thinking before printing. It’s unusual to read anything at the moment that doesn’t include references to AI and my thoughts on sustainability are no exception! It’s been great to see that firms and clients I’ve worked with are including sustainability assessments in their consideration of AI tools.

If we continue to recognise, assess and consider environmental and sustainability considerations in our decision making, we have the power to collectively make a big difference. It’s not always possible to choose the most sustainable option – but progress over perfection will make a difference.   

Anne Littlejohn, Partner, Raeburn, Christie, Clark & Wallace LLP

My interest in environmentalism and climate change began at a young age, being brought up to appreciate the beauty of the eco systems around us, and also their incredibly important role to our own welfare. The increasing scientific evidence shows that we are reaching a critical crossroads as to the future health of our planet as a result of climate change. This has led me to find ways in which I can help to support the now struggling eco systems, and also reduce the impact of climate change. I am aware that one person’s changes may not make a huge difference, but if everyone reading this took steps to reduce their carbon footprint, the impact could be huge.

The legal profession might not be at the top of the list of sectors that have a large carbon footprint, but each firm can play a part in the journey to net zero. It might seem overwhelming when firms are all facing higher overheads and taxes, but there are various ways we can all take on this challenge. Whether you try to go paperless (if you aren’t already), reduce your electricity usage, recycle, install EV charging points or have staff engagement days where you go litter picking, any positive change will make a difference and help us repair our planet.

Peter Brash, Partner at Grigor & Young Solicitors in Elgin

Climate change issues can quickly feel overwhelming, but we need to keep finding ways to have conversations about these issues so we feel inspired to try something new. For example, at Grigor & Young, we occupy Victorian buildings in Elgin and Forres. In the past few years, we’ve gradually completed double-glazing of all windows and upgraded our heating systems. We got free assessments and advice through Business Energy Scotland. With an increasing number of refill stores appearing in our area (Lossiemouth, Findhorn and Nairn), we’re also bulk-buying environmentally friendly cleaning products locally and reuse the plastic bottles. These are just small steps but they make a difference. Even in small firms, changes like these can be made slowly and incrementally, and not only will they enhance the sustainability of your business but your climate-conscious adjustments will sooner or later end up being a positive differentiator for clients and employees too.

To start, It’s probably best to try to make lots of wee changes, such as subscribing to an email newsletter about sustainability issues. I like the 365-days-a-year Daily Difference from The Carbon Almanac because it’s a two-minute read and usually fairly encouraging in tone. Here’s a sustainability idea from that source: If you own a car, you can save 3.3% (i.e. probably hundreds of pounds a year) on what you normally spend on fuel just by properly inflating your tyres. Better fuel mileage directly translates into cash in your pocket and significantly lowers your carbon emissions. The majority of cars run on underinflated tyres.

You can find out more about Peter and his time in the committee in the Journal. 

Whether it is thinking about your transport, what you print at work or how you can make meaningful changes in your routine to be more climate conscious, every positive action we take will make a difference in reducing the impacts of climate change. 

Nevertheless, we understand that knowing where to start can be a challenge. However, that's where our Sustainability Committee come into play. They have pulled together a wide range of tips covering every section in our resource hub to ensure sustainability and climate action is achievable. 

Keep your eyes peeled each month for a new tip and if you'd like to share your own perspective, do get in touch with Sustainability@lawscot.org.uk.