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ESG

ESG

At Venner Shipley, we are committed to operating responsibly and
sustainably. Our Environmental, Social and Governance approach helps
guide how ESG principles are reflected in our operations, decision-making
and wider firm strategy, supporting long-term value for our people, clients,
partners and the communities in which we operate.

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As an intellectual property law firm working at the heart of STEM-led innovation, we operate in sectors where science, technology and creativity play a central role. We are conscious that access to STEM-related careers is not always equal, and that structural and social barriers can limit participation for individuals from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds. This informs our ESG priorities, particularly how we support education, social mobility, responsible business and environmental sustainability.

Our ESG approach focuses on four core areas:

  • Environmental responsibility
  • Social responsibility and our people
  • Community engagement and charitable giving
  • Governance, ethics and accountability

Environmental responsibility

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business and improving the sustainability of our operations over time.

Our Environmental Policy sets out the practical steps we take across areas such as energy use, business travel, procurement, waste management, supplier engagement and day-to-day decision-making. This includes investing in energy-saving technologies, using motion-sensor lighting, regulating heating and cooling, encouraging recycling and waste reduction, and promoting more sustainable travel choices, including public transport, cycling and walking where possible.

We also work to embed environmental awareness across the firm through internal initiatives such as our “Go Green” campaign, and we continue to review our approach as our business and working practices evolve.

One of the most significant steps we have taken is our move to TIDE Bankside, our new London office, which has been designed with sustainability at its core. The building is designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation, support lower operational energy use and reduce embodied carbon through the use of reused and locally sourced materials.

Energy-efficient London office

Our London office at TIDE Bankside has net zero certification for embodied
carbon, a BRE Design Reviewed NABERS 5 Star rating, EPC A and pending
BREEAM Outstanding certification. It is also designed to perform 27% below
the UKGBC 2025–2030 operational energy target of 55 kWh/m²/year.

SME B for Climate

Venner Shipley has achieved this score through CDP for three consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to transparent climate disclosure and environmental management.

Independent carbon assessment

Small World Consulting have carried out an independent carbon assessment of the firm, helping us to develop a practical carbon reduction roadmap tailored to how our business works.

TIDE London office third-party sustainability credentials​

  • Breeam Logo

Social responsibility and our people

Our people are central to our success. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone is treated fairly, respected and given the opportunity to realise their potential.

We support the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of our people, and we are an accredited Living Wage Employer. We are also committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion across the firm, both in how we work internally and how we engage with the wider profession.

Social mobility is an important part of our ESG approach. We are particularly focused on improving access to professional careers in STEM and intellectual property, where opportunities can still depend too much on background, networks and circumstance.

Through long-standing partnerships with organisations such as IntoUniversity and The Sutton Trust, we support mentoring, careers insight sessions, employability workshops and work experience opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged or non-traditional backgrounds.

Community engagement and charitable giving

Charitable giving and volunteering are important parts of how we engage with our communities.

Each year, we donate a portion of the firm’s profits to two charitable organisations aligned with our values. We also support a range of charitable initiatives throughout the year, including matched fundraising, sponsored challenges and national awareness campaigns.

Our support goes beyond financial contributions. We actively encourage volunteering, mentoring and outreach activities, giving our people opportunities to contribute their time, skills and experience in ways that create lasting impact and build meaningful relationships with the organisations we support.

Governance, ethics and accountability

Strong governance underpins our ESG commitments.

Our leadership structure, financial management and compliance frameworks are clearly defined and aligned with regulatory requirements and professional standards. We are committed to ethical conduct, transparency and accountability across all aspects of our business.

Our ESG performance is overseen by senior leadership, with responsibility for monitoring progress, managing risk and ensuring alignment with the firm’s wider strategy.

We know that ESG is not a one-off project. It requires ongoing focus, clear responsibility and regular review. We are committed to continuous improvement, including setting goals, measuring outcomes and reporting transparently to our stakeholders.

Our commitment

For us, ESG is about taking practical steps that fit the way we work as a professional services firm. We want to support our people, contribute positively to our communities, operate responsibly and reduce the environmental impact of our business over time.
Through this approach, we aim to create long-term value and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

To learn more about our ESG approach, please email us.

Email us