Our London office
Our state-of-the-art building, One Bishops Square, has amazing facilities for staff and clients which include a bar, subsidised coffee bar and restaurants, two rooftop gardens, a fitness centre and a fully equipped lecture theatre and a knowledge centre.
We have also focused on our environmental responsibilities: our solar panels (one of the largest photovoltaic installations in Europe) and our three green roof terraces encourage biodiversity – and are a great space in which to relax. Since moving to One Bishops Square a number of environmental goals have been achieved. In April 2009, the Environmental Management System was certified to ISO14001 and we continue to retain that certificate whilst adding the Carbon Trust Standard certificate for effective carbon footprint management in 2010. Our London building related carbon dioxide emissions have reduced from 21,906 (CY2007) to 19,291 tCO2 (CY2010) representing a 11.9% reduction. For the financial year 2011/2012, we aim to reduce our London emissions by a further 7%. This will be achieved by changes to the air conditioning operating settings; lighting strategy; lighting specifications and to the Bishops Square Building Management System. The opening of our Belfast office will change our UK emissions profile and may result in an unchanged UK carbon emissions value.
We operate an extensive recycling programme, providing facilities for the recycling of normal office items as well as more unusual items such as CDs, spectacles, mobile phones and postage stamps. We even have our own 'fiction library' where you can borrow and donate books. As a result of these initiatives, our recycling of waste has increased from <45% in January 2011 to >70% in May 2011.
One Bishops Square has free parking for around 300 bicycles: we also offer shower and locker facilities to encourage our partners and staff to cycle to work. Facilities are also provided for charging electric cars.
Not only are our new offices a huge investment in the future of Allen & Overy and our people, they are also an investment in the local community. We have forged strong relationships with schools, community organisations and local businesses in Tower Hamlets through our pro bono and community activities. There are opportunities for everyone to be involved. The Environmental Champions Group, composed of lawyers, support staff and contractors, continues to be active, with numbers growing. Our green champions are volunteers and have helped host a number of events and activities to encourage good practice.
