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International law firm ‘doubles down’ on climate action
An international law firm has committed to abate at least 90 per cent of its baseline emissions by 2040.
Emma Musgrave
Pinsent Masons has become the latest law firm to publicly commit to a net zero future, having its global 2040 target verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) — a global organisation that defines and promotes best practice in emissions reductions and net zero targets in line with climate science.
In its commitment, Pinsent Masons will seek to fully abate at least 90 per cent of its 2019 baseline emissions by 2040 at the latest.
The firm has already made strides in its commitment to climate, having achieved a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption across its UK offices — 10 per cent higher and a year ahead of initial targets. It also procures 100 per cent of its energy for its offices in the UK and Ireland from renewable sources.
Head of Pinsent Masons’ climate and sustainability group Michael Watson said the verification from the SBTi comes at a critical juncture.
“Defining our targets and getting them verified by the SBTi gives us a comprehensive 360-degree view of our business and how we can minimise our impact on the environment,” he said.
“The process of verification helps us get under the skin of our targets and define our strategy more meticulously.
“This is vital in ensuring we pursue our net zero ambitions effectively and authentically. 2040 strikes the right balance in our view between ambition and realism and is ahead of the Paris Agreement target date of 2050.”
Last week, Hall & Wilcox also furthered its commitment to climate action, joining the United Nations Global Compact. The firm has been listed as a participant by the United Nations since 1 March 2022.
Hall & Wilcox managing partner Tony Macvean said: “We have joined the UN Global Compact and made a commitment to carbon neutral and a net zero future because it is the right thing to do by our planet. It is important to me. It’s important to our people. And it’s important to our clients.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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