Gowling WLG publishes its 2025 Sustainability Report, celebrating targets achieved and work towards commitments across environment, social and governance programmes and day-to-day activity.

This year's report reflects even more dimensions of sustainability, drawing on risk-focused ESG and corporate responsibility themes, and going beyond regulatory compliance. It also shares highlights from key initiatives undertaken, targets met and where efforts are being focused to address challenges and extend the impact of the firm's programmes even further.

In the 2024 report, a number of short and long-term objectives were shared. This latest update summarises progress against these objectives during the period May 2024 to April 2025.

Among the achievements highlighted are:

  • A commitment to net-zero by 2040, set through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
  • Recognition in the Legal 500's UK Green Guide, Green Ambassadors list and The Lawyer's Hot 100.
  • New leadership inclusion targets supported by the firm's 'Inclusion for All' strategy and approach, which won 'DE&I Law Firm Initiative of the Year' at the Legal 500 UK ESG Awards 2025.
  • Achieving a 28% increase in volunteering hours and recording 7,405 pro bono hours in the UK.

These are positive outcomes from just some of the programmes and initiatives covered in the report. They feature alongside reflections on opportunities to improve further, through collaboration across teams, within the sector and with suppliers. With a focus on people a key element of the firm's approach and its programmes, there are also insights from those helping make an impact on the ground.

Emma Pioli, Chair at Gowling WLG, said: "I'm in awe of all that we're achieving and truly enjoy enabling others to embed sustainable practices into all that we do. Although it continues to be a work in progress, our talented people and unique culture make faster change possible."

Alongside activities to deliver a sustainable approach to its own business operations, the firm is also helping other organisations navigate their ESG and sustainability journey and create positive impacts for people and planet. Its ESG legal services practice is immersed in the latest developments around sustainability and is working to support clients from all sectors in understanding their responsibilities, managing risks and pursuing long‑term goals.

Fiona Nicholls, Head of Assurance, Environment and ESG Strategy at Gowling WLG, added: "Setting and delivering on targets, and making firmwide commitments, requires passion, expertise and creativity - our people have these in abundance. We are moving forward in spite of an ever-changing geopolitical and regulatory landscape, and continuing to prioritise our clients and our values."

Read the new report to find out more about Gowling WLG's approach to sustainability and visit its ESG pages for more insights from its legal experts and examples of work with clients.