ACCOUNTANCY firm Bishop Fleming has shown its green credentials through a massive reduction in paper consumption.

The firm has saved the equivalent of 104 trees a year, a one third drop in paper usage, even though the firm is one of the fastest growing accountancy practices in the UK.

This has in part been achieved through a continued investment in IT.

An Environmental Management System was introduced six years ago to measure three key performance indicators, electricity and gas usage - which have both been brought down - paper ordered, and the overall environmental performance.

The firm's mileage has also been lowered.

Bishop Fleming's seven offices cover a wide geographical area from Worcester to Truro, but reducing the travelling between offices remains a key priority, through the use of Skype and telephone conferencing.

Ewan McClymont, director at Bishop Fleming, said: "Environmental credentials are becoming increasingly important in gaining new clients, and our ability to measure these metrics is an important factor in a competitive market.

"We are delighted that our environmental qualifications continue to move in a positive direction.

"The fact that Bishop Fleming's environmental performance has improved in each measured area as the firm has grown, demonstrates our commitment to the firm's environmental responsibilities, and this is something of which we can be extremely proud."

Bishop Fleming employs 325 staff, is part of the government's energy savings opportunity scheme, and is a member of Low Carbon South West.