The global drive to net zero couldn’t be more urgent. With 2024 now confirmed as the hottest year ever recorded for the world’s lands and oceans – that is, the average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above its pre-industrial level – the spotlight is on every business to play its part to ensure the long-term goals of The Paris Agreement don’t become even more vulnerable.
In its hugely influential positioning, the legal sector has the opportunity to drive meaningful change in the mission for net zero. Yet Greenarc’s latest research reveals that although many of the UK’s law firms claim to have clear sustainability goals, a lack of confidence in making informed decisions, coupled with an ongoing knowledge deficit, is significantly contributing to progress stalling.
Here, we discuss notable findings of our research and highlight the severity of challenges felt by the sector.
Navigating barriers on the path to net zero
Our recent research, which was commissioned by 3Gem, surveyed 100 employees who work in legal firms and uncovered telling themes that indicate the sector, like many others, is coming under increasing pressure from clients, employees, and peers to demonstrate greener policies and lay out clear plans to reduce emissions.
We found that, while two thirds (66%) of law firms stated they’d set clear sustainability goals – with 78% of firms having appointed individuals to lead their green initiatives – only 38% of these sustainability champions believe they have the complete knowledge they need to fulfil their roles effectively. Furthermore, over a quarter (27%) admitted there was uncertainty over where to start with sustainability missions.
Our downloadable guide, The state of sustainability in the legal sector, delves into the details as to why law firms appear to be feeling at such a loss, and:
- Highlights what specifically is hindering firms’ progress at a time when every business must examine its sustainability strategy.
- Considers the first key steps towards a carbon reduction plan.
- Outlines why scope 4 emissions (or advised emissions) provide vast opportunities for law firms and shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Discusses how the sector can navigate major hurdles to achieve climate leadership.
Concerns around the cost of sustainability
Prevalent challenges to achieving sustainability goals emerged as a lack of knowledge and cost pressures. In fact, more than a third (40%) of our respondents cited cost as the reason why sustainability initiatives had fallen down the priority list. Many fear a substantial outlay is synonymous with addressing environmental impact – and often, this is money that’s placed elsewhere, as other areas of business focus take priority. A possible solution here is that leaders attempt to reframe mindsets – instead of viewing such initiatives as a financial burden, firms must instead consider them a long-term cost-saving strategy; an investment. Increased energy savings, reduced waste, and more efficient resource management are the obvious end results.
However, at the same time, this groundwork prepares firms for any regulatory changes on the horizon, as well as meets the ever-evolving customer expectations for sustainability commitments. Contrary to common thinking, when available funds are already minimal, initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability are a worthy and valuable cost.
The benefits of sustainability policies reach far beyond regulatory compliance, of course. Our research reveals that clients and employees alike are increasingly demanding well-integrated sustainability frameworks and want to see real commitment to greener practices. Two thirds (66%) of those we surveyed said that if they were looking for a role at a different law firm, its sustainability policies would sway their decision. Meanwhile, the majority (92%) believed sustainability influences client retention to some extent, and many claim they see real value in such policies when looking to attract new clients. Sustainability is firmly on the agenda for those working in the sector.
It’s clear that while stricter regulations may be in the offing, other reasons to address environmental impact include the need to align with staff, partner, and supplier expectations, as well as recognise opportunities to tie these policies in with the overall business strategy (if there are plans to become a B Corp, for example).
Carbon reduction: measure, manage, and monitor
Law firms looking to build out a more sustainable future should begin in the most logical place: at the beginning by measuring baseline emissions data. This is a crucial first step in order to have a point of comparison and to build out a carbon reduction plan. From here, specific actions should be implemented to support reaching targets. This might entail improving energy efficiency in the office, switching to renewable energy sources, or changing procurement practices, for example.
Finally, while monitoring progress and tracking carbon reduction, firms should be confident software and technology installed is fit for purpose and producing accurate readings. This accuracy is vital if the sector is to build out reliable data, produce effective reports, and, ultimately, drive change.
Keen to find out more about the pressures and challenges felt by the legal sector in its mission to journey to net zero? Download our guide for further analysis and to learn more about building long-term resilience and environmental credibility on the path to a sustainable future.
