Our Net Zero journey bennettbrooks

At bennettbrooks, we have focused on sustainability for some time. With seven offices and 180 staff, we know that our impact can reach much further than our in-house teams and locations.

As chartered accountants in the professional services sector, embedding sustainability into our dayto-day practices may not seem as straightforward as in other industries. However, even the smallest steps towards more sustainable practices can create a ripple effect – proving that meaningful change is possible, no matter where you start.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, the business made a conscious decision to embrace renewable energy wherever possible. We've already invested in solar panels across several of our offices, and the shift to solar power has made a significant impact in reducing our overall energy consumption.

Our journey into solar energy began with the installation of panels at our Northwich HQ in January 2023, followed by two additional offices in May and July of that year. The results have been really encouraging with one office generating an impressive 122.4% of its energy needs in the first eight months post-installation, effectively producing more than was consumed. Another site generated 52.3% of its total energy requirements via solar within just six months.

At the end of 2024, we completed a new extension at our Northwich HQ, with sustainability at the heart of the project. The fit-out focused on using energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials which aligns with our wider commitment to reducing our environmental impact. The extension includes high-grade insulations in both the walls and flooring to minimise heat loss, energy-saving LED lighting with automatic shut-off sensors, and an air source heating system. To further enhance our renewable energy efforts, additional solar panels were also installed on the new roof space.

Sustainability doesn't stop at our own operations; it also extends to the way we work with others. From caterers to independent stationery suppliers and builders, we actively support local businesses whose values align with our own. To formalise this process, we introduced a Purchasing and Supplier Policy which sets clear guidelines for responsible procurement.

Reducing our carbon footprint is a key focus, particularly when it comes to business travel. Wherever appropriate we encourage virtual meetings to minimise unnecessary journeys, and we follow our sustainable transport policy which promotes the use of environmentally friendly travel operations. We recognise that public transport, car sharing or low-emission alternatives aren't always practical, but the goal is to reduce the environmental impact of all work-related travel wherever possible. It’s about making conscious choices that support a more sustainable way of working.

We are actively working towards a number of environmental goals, including becoming a paperless practice and improving our overall energy efficiency. Simple, everyday actions, such as powering down equipment including all our printers contribute towards this. We’ve also decommissioned our physical IT services across our offices, significantly reducing our energy consumption. Additionally, many of our team members choose to work from home for part of the week, helping to lower commuting emissions and further reduce our environmental footprint.

At every point in our operations, we consider sustainability some examples of which are:

• Electric Company Vehicles

• Shredding and recycling of any paperwork

• IT & Electrical Equipment is reconditioned and recycled by an external provider.

• Sourcing our brand materials including fully recyclable ballpoint pens and highlighters made from recycled materials.

• All our offices have their general waste recycled.

• We use environmentally friendly cleaning products from washing up liquid to toilet cleaner.

• We have a British Heart Foundation donation station at our Northwich office and staff regularly donate clothing and household items.

These everyday choices help us minimise our environmental impact while supporting our wider commitment to sustainability in the workplace.

We are actively working towards B Corp certification, which will be a key milestone on our sustainable journey. This reflects our deep-routed commitment to making a positive impact on all our stakeholders. This includes our clients, our people and communities we operate in, and the planet. For us, B Corp isn't just a badge, it's a clear statement of our values and our dedication to responsible, sustainable business practices.

Bennetbrooks is a fast-growing, dynamic accountancy and advisory firm with over 180 staff across seven offices in the North West and North Wales. We work with a diverse portfolio of clients including SME’s, Family and owners managed businesses, fast-growing start-ups and large multinational enterprises. Our team of specialists provide expert support across a wide range of services including; Accountants preparation, Audit, Tax, Trusts & Estates, Payroll, Corporate Finance and Forensic Accountancy. Together we are focused on not just delivering technical expertise but doing so in a way that supports sustainable, long-term success of our clients and the world around us.