Although our environmental impact is lower than many other types of business, it is significant and we are tackling it head on. Climate change and challenges to nature require urgent action and tackling them is integral to our strategy. Our people, clients, suppliers, outside agencies and other law firms are also part of our response.
PLANET+ is our framework for tackling environmental impacts and energy demand, and reflects good practice within the internationally-recognised standards ISO14001 and ISO50001. Our targeted approach is guided by priorities detailed in our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy, the latest science and the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis.
Starting with PLANET+ Phase 1 in 2016, we laid the foundations for strategic energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) management and climate action. At the core of the PLANET+ commitment (Environment and Energy Policy) first launched in 2017 was an ambitious goal of zero carbon by 2030 with a primary focus on direct emissions. We've come a long way and our most recent Sustainability Report charts some past and recent success.
2010 - Cycle to Work scheme; carbon offsetting of corporate travel and Enable disablity.
2013 - ISO14001 Environmental Management Standard
2014 - Desk bins removed and recycling stations added
2015 - ISO50001 Energy Management Standard
2016 - First baseline Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory
2017 - Building energy reduction target of 20% by 2020 and PLANET+ commitment including zero carbon goal
2018 - Copy paper from 100% post-consumer waste
2020 - UN Global Compact signatory and 22% building energy use reduction
2022 - PLANET+ Phase 2 strategy and commitment made to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
2023 - British Property Federation Net Zero Pledge; founder signatry of Legal Charter 1.5; Scope 3 GHG emissions calculated; Carbon Reduction Plan and Sustainable Events Challenge
Our Phase 2 programme launched in 2022 is focusing on climate and nature and has features similar to the wider ESG Strategy, and some additional ones:
With changes to our approach to GHG emissions, the PLANET+ commitment is getting a revamp to align with current thinking around science-based targets and will be relaunched during Phase 2. Objectives and projects are annually reviewed and refreshed with major ones detailed within in the latest annual report. Informed by current projects, our Carbon Reduction Plan also summarises our climate approach:
Whilst the spotlight remains on tackling climate change and supporting biodiversity, our commitments extend beyond, into waste and resource handling for example. Some environmental activity links closely with existing wellbeing, community and procurement programmes too. We share progress through reports and external audit.
PLANET+ Ambassadors from legal and business services teams guide environmental action. They support our head of Assurance, Environment & ESG Strategy, Fiona Nicholls, who jointly chairs the group with legal services partner for sustainability Ben Stansfield. Our General Counsel provides the link to the Executive Board and is accountable for environmental and internal ESG aims and progress.
We take our responsibility to our people, our environment and our communities seriously. Trust and transparency are embedded in everything we do and impact every business decision we make. Find out more about our overall approach to corporate responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG).
Find out more about our approach
We believe in fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, engaged and encouraged to bring their authentic self to work. Find out more about how we meaningfully integrate diversity, equity & inclusion into our business.
Find out more about our work in DE&I
Playing our part in the wider community as a responsible business is a key element of who we are as a firm and as an employer. Our responsible business strategy focuses on two core areas: community and profession skills volunteering.
Good governance is about making transparent, accountable, effective, equitable, inclusive, efficient and legal decisions and implementing them. It's good for doing business and also for enabling positive impacts on the planet, people, communities and beyond.
Find out more about governance
