Net Zero Business Pledge blog
Guest article: Shoosmiths’ net zero strategy
Shoosmiths’ ESG vision is to be the leading national law firm famous for its positive contribution to society. Our net zero strategy is a key business priority.
Shoosmiths has a target for its operations (i.e., scopes 1 and 2 emissions) to reach net zero by 2025.
We have near-term Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated targets consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels:
- reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 50% by FY2030 from an FY2020 base year.
- increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 74% in FY2020 to 100% by FY2025.
The board will shortly be briefed on the strategic review of Shoosmiths’ net zero strategy beyond 2025 including the proposed net zero target date for Shoosmiths’ entire value chain. The proposed target will be submitted to the SBTi and will be aligned with the SBTi’s corporate net zero standard.
Actions during the last twelve months include:
- We continue to extend the scope of carbon footprint disclosure. Since 2019/2020 we have added scope 2 market-based and location-based electricity-related emissions and scope 3 emissions associated with purchased goods and services, commute to work and home working. In 2021/2022 we are including hotel stays.
- Sustainable travel policy. Guidelines include how to travel in a sustainable way, challenging the need for travel, promoting travel hierarchy thinking, and application of an internal carbon levy on every business flight.
- Via an online supplier portal, suppliers are asked to report their carbon emissions, their approach to reducing emissions and encouraged to collaborate with Shoosmiths.
- Liaison with landlords to encourage switching to certified renewable electricity at all our locations.
- Raising awareness amongst colleagues about the important part they play in their professional roles as we transition towards a net zero future.
- A strategic review undertaken to determine our long-term net zero strategy including an assessment of Shoosmiths’ physical and transition climate-related risks and opportunities. A climate risk working group is to be formed to progress the recommendations.
Being a signatory of pledges such as, in this case, the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge enables us to:
- Share ideas, approaches and to learn best practice that can help to overcome challenges or progress opportunities.
- Find ways to collaborate with like-minded organisations – good responsible business practices, provision of net zero related legal advice.
- Demonstrate to our Birmingham colleagues and our local communities that we are focused on protecting the local Birmingham environment just as much as the environment at a national and ultimately global level.
Find out details on how you can sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.