The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), a global body enabling businesses to set out ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, has verified national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s science-based net-zero target of 2040.

The SBTi has also approved the firm’s near-term science-based emissions reduction targets of reducing Scope 1&2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 by 25% by 2030*.

Science-based targets give companies a clearly defined path to reduce GHG emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The latest climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – described by the UN as “code red for humanity” – shows it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but we are dangerously close to that threshold.

The SBTi is focussed on accelerating companies across the world, to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. They define how much and how quickly a business must reduce its emissions to be in line with Paris Agreement goals.

Karen Higgins, Head of ESG at Clarke Willmott, said: “Clarke Willmott is passionate about acting responsibly and minimising our impact on the planet.

“We’re committed to achieving net-zero by 2040 and to demonstrating our progress with the earlier near-term science-based targets.

“Business has a huge role to play to support the UK reaching its ambitious net-zero target by 2050. We are proud the targets we have set have had external verification and are working hard to transition across our business.

“A full review of our property portfolio is already well underway. Refurbishments and office relocations and use of more energy efficient solutions have allowed us to reduce our carbon emissions. Our most recent move in Bristol reduced our floorspace by 65% and improved our energy rating of D to EPC A. Also, across our offices 99.6% of electricity is generated from 100% certified renewable sources.

“Working towards net-zero is a part of our ESG strategy reflecting our belief in the importance of being a responsible business. We recognise our responsibility to future generations to operate our business in a way which minimises our impact on the environment, while looking after our people in the present and adding value to the communities we work in.”

Clarke Willmott is a member of the SBTi’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign – the world’s largest and fastest-growing group of companies helping to halve global emissions by 2030.

The firm worked with Green Element, an environmental management consultancy to agree on and verify the targets.

Kyoko Yamafuji, Senior Climate Analyst of Green Element, said: “It is a pleasure to work with Karen and the team at Clarke Willmott, who are dedicated to following best environmental practice. This science-based targets validation is empowering their team to make informed decisions and take purposeful actions to meet their climate targets. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved and look forward to working with them on their journey to net-zero.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton and is this year celebrating its 135th anniversary.