Climate Action
We are committed to minimising and where possible eliminating our environmental impact
We recognise the contribution we can make to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Having already made huge progress in reducing our environmental impact, we are now building on our strong credentials in this area by setting ourselves increasingly challenging targets.
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Performance
Reducing our reliance on single-use disposables
We have committed to significantly reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and other disposables and have an ongoing programme in place to review these throughout our operations. This has seen us already remove all of our single-use coffee cups, bottled water, cutlery and a large number of other catering containers, as well as a number of other single-use consumables. Alongside this, we have also been educating our people on the plastics issue. For example, we organised a team plastic-fishing day to educate staff about the issue of plastics in our waterways and raise funds for educational trips for London schoolchildren.
Case studies
Reviewing our building management strategy to reduce energy consumption
One of our most significant environmental impacts is our reliance on energy to run our buildings. We procure all of the electricity in our London office from renewables, and in line with our overall commitment to reduce our carbon emissions, we continue to look to make reductions in our energy use across our estate. The comprehensive energy metering network in our London office enables us to continually monitor and improve upon our energy strategy, including the outcome of new initiatives such as installation of LED lighting and plant lifecycle replacement.
Embedding environmental standards across goods and services
We work alongside our service providers to develop innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact throughout the full lifecycle of our supply chain. For example, we review the environmental credentials of suppliers as part of our on - boarding process and once in place constantly review options to further reduce the impact of service delivery. Examples include: reviewing frequency and travel distance of deliveries, minimising delivery packaging and optimising recovery, and ensuring where possible that products are purchased with a recognised Chain of Custody (e.g. MSC and FSC certified).
Science Based Targets
In 2022 we became the first law firm to have both our near and long term greenhouse gas carbon emission reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our targets represent the most ambitious pathway under the initiative, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade against their Corporate Net-Zero Standard.
Collaboration
We are founding members of the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA). The Alliance, which consists of senior legal figures, supported by the Law Society and others, has been set up to deliver an agreed strategy to help tackle climate change. It does this by developing best practice principles and working methods for the legal sector.
Our initiatives
Supply chain
We have established a sustainable procurement programme to embed responsible business into our supply chain. Its aim is to help us build a comprehensive understanding of our supply chain’s environmental impacts, and to work with our existing and future suppliers to align and improve their performance in line with our own ambitions on climate action.
Engaging our people
We promote environmental awareness and responsibility among our employees through information, initiatives and community projects.
Our Environment Steering Group consists of a team of legal and non-legal staff from all levels of the firm who meet quarterly to discuss new ideas and evaluate the success and progress of existing environmental initiatives.
Our internal employee network ‘One Earth’ provides staff with a space to share ideas and learn from others on how to be more sustainable, creating a culture of action both in the office and at home.
RE100
We are signatories to RE100, a collaborative, global initiative led by The Climate Group, in partnership with CDP, and have committed to sourcing 100% of our future global electricity requirements from renewables.
collective action
We are a founding member of the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA), a coalition of law firms committed to helping the world achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The alliance facilitates industry-wide collaboration to drive systemic change in law and legal practice to support the transition to net zero.
