Slaughter and May becomes first SBTi-approved law firm

12th May 2020


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Godspower Isheke

Slaughter and May has become the first law firm to have emission reduction goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The targets aim to reduce the company's absolute scope 1,2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2018 base year, and to achieve net zero – without the use of offsets – by 2042.

They represent the most ambitious pathway under the SBTi, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5ºC.

“I am proud that the firm has not only made this commitment, but that we are the first law firm to have our targets approved, our work now has a really clear focus and ambition,“ said partner Jeff Twentyman.

“As signatories to the Paris Pledge for Action, we are committed to setting science-based targets in line with the reductions required to limit global temperature increase to 1.5¬∫C. As an organisation, we have already made large reductions in our carbon footprint over the last few years, and this is the next logical step.“

Slaughter and May was also the first law firm to join RE100, a collaborative, global initiative led by the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, and has committed to sourcing 100% of its future global electricity requirements from renewables.

During the last 10 years the firm has reduced the absolute carbon emissions associated with its energy use by 63%.

In addition, the firm was one of the founding members of the Legal Sustainability Alliance, an inclusive movement of law firms and those in the legal profession committed to working together to take action on climate change by reducing their carbon footprint and adopting environmentally sustainable practices.

Helen Clark, Head of Environmental Sustainability, said of the latest achievements: These targets reaffirm our commitment to operating as a responsible business. We believe that the role of the private sector in supporting the transition to a low carbon economy is an absolutely vital one.

“We are guided by government policy, but without businesses taking accountability for their actions and driving forward change, we will simply not be able to take the necessary steps quickly enough.“

Image credit: Shutterstock

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