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Why Sustainability Matters for Law Firms

In recent years, the importance of sustainability has surged across all sectors, including the legal industry, as we begin to recognise that the time to act must be now to ensure we protect our living environment both for the duration of our own lifetimes and for future generations.

As the weather becomes more unpredictable, it serves as a timely reminder that by committing to sustainable practices we are not only protecting the environment but also our long-term economic stability and social wellbeing.

As stewards of justice and advisors on compliance, law firms have a unique role in the global effort to combat climate change. Understanding and implementing sustainability measures is not only about fulfilling regulatory requirements but also about demonstrating corporate responsibility, enhancing firm reputation, and meeting the growing expectations of clients and employees alike. But as with many new initiatives, it can often be overwhelming to take that first step or even know where to start.

Before taking that first leap it can be useful to understand the ‘why’ before attempting to dive straight into the ‘how.’ The Paris Agreement was set out in 2015 with the aim of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change by limiting global temperature rise in the 21st century to 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to curb it further to an increase of 1.5°C. Unfortunately, if we don’t act now on achieving net zero by 2050, it looks as though this target is not achievable.

Building on this humanity-wide goal, in April of last year, the Law Society issued guidance highlighting that all Law firms are required to assess their annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and establish targets to reduce them, with the goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Aside from mandated and guided regulatory compliance such as the Paris Agreement and from the Law Society – there is also several essential considerations that fall outside of the legislative realm:

1. Client Expectations: Increasingly, clients are looking for legal partners who share their commitment to sustainability. Demonstrating robust environmental practices can differentiate your firm in a competitive market.

2. Operational Efficiency: Implementing sustainability practices often leads to cost savings through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and streamlined operations.

3. Employee Engagement: A strong sustainability program can attract and retain top talent. Employees today value working for organisations that are socially and environmentally responsible. 4. Corporate Responsibility: Beyond compliance and market positioning, there is a moral imperative to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Law firms can lead by example, inspiring clients and peers to follow suit.

Of course, embarking on this sustainable journey as an industry isn’t something that has to be done alone – and certainly shouldn’t. The environment is our joint responsibility and so too is how we work to preserve it.

As the first property data business to support the Pledge to Net Zero initiative, Landmark Information Group have made a firm commitment to take a leading role in the transition to a net zero carbon economy.

Whilst our dedicated sustainability team are working hard in-house to achieve our own green goals, they’re also on hand to support law firms as they tackle this urgent transition. Our sustainability training services with the credibility of a CPD accreditation, are designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference – wherever they are on their firm’s green journey.

We’re also heavily committed to investing in partnerships that ensure our clients are supported all the way. Our latest partnership with Net Zero Now is a pivotal piece in helping us to achieve this level of support. From initial training, education and support on knowing where to start, right through to platform delivery to quantify and manage a company’s carbon footprint and follow on consulting support.

Learn more about Landmark’s Sustainability Training Services at https://www.landmark.co.uk/legal-conveyancing/sustainabilitytraining-services/. ■