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Ashurst sets ‘quantifiable’ sustainability goals
Ashurst has affirmed its commitment to sustainability with the establishment of new sustainability goals, which the firm has said will increase their social impact.
Lauren Croft
The global law firm has set out a range of ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) and sustainability goals, as well as established a carbon neutrality plan to achieve a number of sustainability goals by 2023.
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Global ESG and sustainability partner Anna-Marie Slot said that the firm’s journey to sustainability had required them to be “open, honest and transparent.”
“Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework and guide, we have identified key areas of change across three pillars: how we engage with clients, who we are as a firm and how we give value to the communities in which we operate,” she said.
“Our Sustainability Goals chart a quantifiable path for the firm to continue to build on its culture of sustainability focused on helping clients capitalise on opportunities from the transition, progressing our journey to Net Zero and increasing our pro bono and social impact.”
Despite being certified carbon-neutral since the beginning of 2020, Ashurst has set out further reduction goals for the firm to achieve, including a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from travel, 30 per cent reduction in paper usage and 20 per cent improvement in water, utility and energy usage efficiencies.
Alongside this, the firm will integrate other measures including eliminating single-use plastics, as well as promote agile and remote working.
Ms Slot added that the goals also capture how the firm engages with clients in the transformation of business ecosystems to integrate ESG considerations as a business imperative.
“Every business is in a different position and as advisors to our clients it is our responsibility to support them on their sustainability journey,” she said.
“This includes focusing on areas including the energy transition, infrastructure and real estate, regulatory change and sustainable finance – areas which are critical to turning the global dial to meet sustainability commitments, and where the firm has extensive expertise.”
Global managing partner Paul Jenkins added that sustainability had become of equal importance to both the firm and its clients.
“Sustainability is a critically important strategic business issue for Ashurst and our clients and our continued improvement in this area is a key aspect of the firm’s strategy,” he said.
“Transparency and accountability are a significant part of this, and we are very pleased to be publicly acknowledging the journey we are on and the progress we have already made. We are committed to continuing to build a culture of sustainability, which is how we ensure that we deliver extraordinary outcomes for our people and our clients.”
