Leading UK law firms have reduced their carbon emissions by the equivalent of over 29,000 tonnes CO2, according to a report published today.
The fall in carbon emissions in the legal profession is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of two Magic Circle law firms.
The average carbon emitted per employee also decreased significantly, amounting to 3.63 tonnes of CO2e per member of staff.
The improved carbon performance of the legal sector follows the 2008 launch of the Legal Sector Alliance (LSA).
The LSA, which is supported by HRH The Prince of Wales, is a movement of law firms committed to working together to take action on climate change.
The movement has already seen over 250 firms, together accounting for more than a third of all solicitors in private practice in England and Wales, sign up to reducing their carbon footprint and adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
57 law firms measured their annual carbon emissions for this year's Legal Sector Alliance Annual Report.
The report found that law firms reduced their carbon emissions by 1.84 per cent, or 29,035.53 tonnes CO2e, over the 12-month reporting period.
The twenty firms, which together make up the LSA Executive membership, performed particularly strongly, experiencing an average reduction of over 18.25 per cent over three years.
A total of 69 law firms also reported on their performance in other key areas impacting on climate change performance, including the impact of operations; indirect impact; climate change awareness; advising clients; best practice and engaging the public; progress and accountability; and emissions reduction targets.
More than two-thirds (65 per cent) of firms reported that they advised clients on their opportunities and obligations, while over one-third (38 per cent) provided training to clients.
Over half (56 per cent) of the firms said they had proactively communicated with clients on environment and climate change issues.
Other highlights include:
• At 95 per cent of firms, responsibility for environmental impact rests with a senior representative;
• 35 per cent of firms review their suppliers' environmental performances annually or more frequently, with 38 per cent planning to do so in 2013;
• 41 per cent of firms are now committed to reporting their climate change performance annually or more frequently, compared to 38 per cent in 2012;
• 49 per cent of firms have set a waste reduction target, while 39 per cent have set a reduction target in the area of travel.
Desmond Hudson, chief executive of the Law Society, said:
"This study shows that law firms lead the fight against climate change in the professional services. This is no mean feat for a sector that includes firms of all sizes, from sole practitioners to Magic Circle firms with billion pound turnovers. Law firms are in a unique position to influence employees, suppliers, clients and policy makers. It is in our collective interest to act on climate change, and we can achieve more by acting together."
Sir Nigel Knowles, chairman of the Legal Sector Alliance, said:
"Over the last twelve months we have seen membership increase to 258 firms. More firms have committed to reporting their carbon performance, many are advising their clients on climate change, and an increasing number provide training. Despite the challenging economic conditions, law firms are taking their commitment to combating climate change more seriously than ever before."
View the full report (PDF)
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About the Legal Sector Alliance
The Legal Sector Alliance is a movement of law firms and organisations committed to working collaboratively to take action on climate change by reducing their carbon footprint and adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
About the Law Society of England and Wales
The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.
Press contact
Emma Alatalo
Law Society Press Office
+44 (0)20 7316 5592
emma.alatalo@lawsociety.org.uk