Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has been recognised as Sustainable Business of the Year at the 2025 Bristol Legal Awards, organised by the Bristol Law Society. The awards celebrate excellence across the legal sector in Bristol and the surrounding region.

Burges Salmon was commended for its environmental sustainability initiatives, which combine science-based carbon reduction targets, operational efficiency gains, and high-quality carbon offsetting projects. The firm has also placed a strong emphasis on biodiversity protection, demonstrating its commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of its operations.

• reducing its carbon emissions by approximately 19% against our 2019 baseline;
• sealing a £1 million partnership with Oxygen Conservation, purchasing up to 8,000 UK-based premium quality carbon credits to deliver lasting ecological value;
• championing green travel options with 76% of its people sustainably commuting to work;
• investing in all three of its main BREEAM Excellent-rated offices;
• over the last 5 years, planting 6,500 native trees and continuing to work with Trees For Life on its reforestation work; and
• promoting biodiversity and supporting three community managed beehives in the UK.

Judges also commended the firm for embedding sustainability into recent office refurbishments. In addition to energy efficiency improvements, refurbishments were designed to incorporate circular economy principles, ensuring materials and furniture are assessed for reuse or donated to community partners. Since the start of its refurbishment programme, over 164 tonnes of equipment, furniture and materials have been donated to 94 good causes – including charities, schools, community groups, NHS trusts and other not-for-profits. This equates to £603,169 in social impact and has prevented over 164 tonnes of waste from recycling, energy recovery or landfill.

Eleanor McGhie, Burges Salmon’s Environment Manager, comments: “Our sustainability journey is defined by bold commitments, measurable impact and sector leadership. From carbon reduction and circular economy refurbishments to pioneering partnerships and investments in nature, we’re demonstrating how the legal sector can drive meaningful environmental change. We’re thrilled that our efforts and commitment have been recognised by the judges and the Bristol Law Society. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we will keep refining our approach to achieve our long-term ambition of a greener future for our planet and communities.”

Burges Salmon has a range of programmes aimed at delivering on its ESG priorities, outlined in its Responsible Business Strategy and Ambitions for 2026. The framework sets out the guiding principles by which the firm aims to deliver on its purpose to be the ambitious, sustainable and inclusive law firm that ensures its clients, people and wider communities flourish.