The directors recognise the importance of environmental considerations in operating the business. As a responsible organisation, the Group seeks to follow, in all areas of its activities, policies that recognise this. It is considered that with best practices observed, timber and wood products are the ultimate sustainable and recyclable materials, requiring low energy consumption to process and being thermally efficient in use.

Where possible the Company will purchase timber products independently certified as coming from well-managed forests by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The Company has set up third party audited chain of custody systems to ensure that this material is not mixed with products of unknown origin.

Where certified product is not available, James Latham is committed to sourcing materials from suppliers who are operating within the laws of their own country. Third party verification is sought in areas where governance is weak.

The Group aims to adopt environmental standards at least equal to legal requirements and to integrate environmental considerations into its decision making in such areas as transport, energy usage, treatment plants, waste disposal and health and safety requirements.

When making investment decisions the Company uses energy efficient options for lighting, heating and ventilation and will train staff to minimise energy use.

The Company seeks to minimise the use of packaging material and to recycle discarded packaging material and paper where it is practical to do so.

The Company uses paper from well-managed forests.