Greener Litigation Pledge

As a Chambers we are commited to reducing our environmental impact and seek to make our organisation more sustainable as we recognise the need to restrict global warming. As part of this commitment Chambers is a signatory to the Greener Litigation Pledge. This is an initiative for organisations engaged in the conduct of litigation, including barristers’ chambers.

By signing the Pledge, 5 Essex Chambers has committed to:

1. Taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint and GHG emissions of our dispute resolution practice, including litigation we conduct in the courts and other dispute resolution fora;

2. Engaging with the courts and other dispute resolution fora in which we operate to support changes to rules, procedures and practices to reduce the environmental impact of dispute resolution proceedings;

3. While always maintaining and promoting the highest standards of justice and client service and complying with the procedural rules of the courts, actively promoting practical steps in litigation in which we are involved, which serve to reduce the environmental footprint and emissions arising from any dispute, including:

3a. Corresponding electronically, unless hard copy is expressly required, while recognising that electronic communication has a carbon footprint and accordingly seeking to avoid unnecessary emails;

3b. Limiting the printing of hard copy bundles and other documents wherever possible;

3c. Promoting the use of electronic bundles for court hearings where possible, and liaising with our counterparts at opposing firms and the Court to seek agreement where necessary;

3d. Walking, cycling or using public transport for journeys to court wherever feasible and appropriate;

3e. Considering the appropriateness of witnesses giving evidence by video-link and, where appropriate, co-operating with our counterparts at opposing firms and the Court to implement the necessary procedures for giving evidence by video-link;

3f. Whilst acknowledging the importance of in-person hearings to the administration of justice, actively considering for each hearing whether it is appropriate and amenable to being heard remotely, in whole or in part, including by telephone or by video-link, and, where it is, making that suggestion to the Court and other parties to the litigation;

3g. Avoiding unnecessary travel in relation to a dispute in which we are acting;

3h. Committing to the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible;

3i. Using suppliers and service providers who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint wherever possible and appropriate.

4. Notifying clients and other parties, including solicitors, counsel, experts and opponents, involved in disputes of our support for the Greener Litigation Pledge, and encouraging their participation.