Welcome to Heuking's sustainability page!
For us as a law firm, sustainability means a holistic approach in which we act responsibly towards our clients, the environment, our employees, and society. We are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and attach great importance to transparent reporting. To achieve our sustainability goals, we implement targeted and traceable measures. We pay particular attention to the focus areas of environment and social affairs, having conducted a materiality analysis to identify the key focus areas for us and our stakeholders.
Our goal is to promote the long-term sustainable development of our firm. By reason that, by acting sustainably, law firms can create long-term value and positive impact, which includes integrating ethical and environmentally friendly practices, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities, and supporting social projects.
Mission Statement:
"Sustainability is a central component of our firm. We view sustainability as a holistic approach that incorporates all areas of our firm."
Dr. Johan Schneider, Managing Partner
SDGs & Global Compact
Our commitments are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Global Compact, a framework for responsible corporate governance. We are committed to implementing the SDGs in a targeted manner.
A particular focus is on SDG 17 as we enter into partnerships and collaborations to achieve our goals. One example is our collaboration within the firm in the area of LegalTech. Together, we are developing innovative solutions to drive digitalization to support the SDGs. These holistic projects allow us to break new ground and bring our expertise to bear in the best possible way. In addition, we actively seek out networks and partnerships.
SDG 3: Good health and well-being
SDG 3: Good health and well-being
- Through our health and benefits programs, we improve access to fitness programs and promote the health of our employees.
- Our employees have the opportunity to work remotely to promote their health and well-being.
SDG 5: Gender equality
SDG 5: Gender equality
- We promote women's employment and gender equality with the "Mut zur Karriere" ("Courage for a Career") program and our part-time partnership. Around 10% of our female equity partners use the offer of part-time partnership.
- In 2022, 20 female participants took part in the program.
SDG 10: Reduce inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Heuking substantially prevents corruption, money laundering, and financial crime in all its forms.
- Heuking is certified with IntegrityNext and has an internal compliance department, which ensures that unlawful and unethical behavior is prevented in our company.
SDG 4: Quality education
SDG 4: Quality education
Improving access to high-quality education and training through the Heuking Academy.
We strive for equitable access to learning opportunities while ensuring quality. We are expanding our learning opportunities and utilizing a wide range of educational and training modalities to ensure that everyone can gain relevant knowledge.
In 2022, we held 227 events with around 400 training hours and 2,936 participants.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 13: Climate protection measures
SDG 13: Climate protection measures
Heuking is working on reducing operational emissions in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative through programs and more climate-friendly travel options.
We have integrated climate change measures into our strategies and planning.
We promote climate-conscious behavior through internal awareness campaigns such as the waste collection initiative or the "Green Smiley Campaign".
We purchase 100% green electricity.
SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals
SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals
- Heuking maintains numerous partnerships to ensure that our sustainability goals and those of our partners can be achieved.
- We also participate in networks such as the PMN or the Sustainability Roundtable for law firms to share knowledge and increase awareness of responsibility.
Our responsibility & measures
Our responsibility and actions are based on a broadly responsible approach to the environment, society, and clients, supported by the identification of material aspects. For more information on our sustainability initiatives and progress, please refer to our Responsible Business Report.
Environmental measures
We implemented a comprehensive range of environmental measures to reduce our CO2e footprint. We are actively working to improve our CO2e footprint and have already taken steps to decarbonize. In 2021, the firm emitted around 6,667 tons of CO2e. We have set ourselves the goal of further reducing this figure. Through energy-efficient measures and the promotion of resource-efficient practices, such as sustainable and local sourcing by our office managers, we are helping to reduce our environmental footprint. We also purchase 100% green electricity in all of the firm's offices and are committed to responsible paper use. We have also implemented a comprehensive mobility concept to encourage sustainable mobility. We strive for a development that enables us to operate within planetary boundaries and to make our contribution to environmental protection.
Social measures
We are committed to inclusion, equity & diversity, and equal opportunities. The Heuking Academy promotes sustainable human resources development and education.
We also support various areas through monetary donations, including humanitarian aid, education and research, social aid, children's aid, and foundation associations. Through our collaboration with associations such as the Diversity Charter (since 2014) and ALICE, we advocate for social justice. A further initiative, #workingwithcancer, is dedicated to helping employees deal with cancer. Our social activities are part of our efforts in line with SDG 17.
Governance measures
We use comprehensive measures such as risk management and know-your-client procedures to comply with legal and ethical standards. Please refer to the Heuking Code of Ethics for more information on our values, principles, and compliance measures. We attach great importance to integrity, transparency, and responsible conduct. Our Code of Ethics defines clear rules of conduct and standards to be observed by all employees. Through the measures described, we ensure responsible corporate governance at Heuking.
Environmental measures
Environmental measures
We implemented a comprehensive range of environmental measures to reduce our CO2e footprint. We are actively working to improve our CO2e footprint and have already taken steps to decarbonize. In 2021, the firm emitted around 6,667 tons of CO2e. We have set ourselves the goal of further reducing this figure. Through energy-efficient measures and the promotion of resource-efficient practices, such as sustainable and local sourcing by our office managers, we are helping to reduce our environmental footprint. We also purchase 100% green electricity in all of the firm's offices and are committed to responsible paper use. We have also implemented a comprehensive mobility concept to encourage sustainable mobility. We strive for a development that enables us to operate within planetary boundaries and to make our contribution to environmental protection.
Social measures
Social measures
We are committed to inclusion, equity & diversity, and equal opportunities. The Heuking Academy promotes sustainable human resources development and education.
We also support various areas through monetary donations, including humanitarian aid, education and research, social aid, children's aid, and foundation associations. Through our collaboration with associations such as the Diversity Charter (since 2014) and ALICE, we advocate for social justice. A further initiative, #workingwithcancer, is dedicated to helping employees deal with cancer. Our social activities are part of our efforts in line with SDG 17.
Governance measures
Governance measures
We use comprehensive measures such as risk management and know-your-client procedures to comply with legal and ethical standards. Please refer to the Heuking Code of Ethics for more information on our values, principles, and compliance measures. We attach great importance to integrity, transparency, and responsible conduct. Our Code of Ethics defines clear rules of conduct and standards to be observed by all employees. Through the measures described, we ensure responsible corporate governance at Heuking.
Transparent reporting on sustainability issues
At Heuking, we give great importance to reporting transparently on our sustainability activities, meaning we want to report openly and honestly about our measures to act sustainably. Here, we pay attention to our Code of Ethics, carbon footprint, and Sustainable Business Report. These reports follow recognized standards such as the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). They give you a comprehensive overview of Heuking's sustainability commitments.
