We are setting ambitious targets and thinking creatively about how we achieve them.
Climate change is among the most pressing concerns of the twenty-first century and one which is having an increasingly broad range of impacts. Unchecked it will fundamentally disrupt the world’s ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for both human beings and the natural environment. Action is needed on a global scale - from every country, government, business, and individual.
We believe that steps must be taken swiftly to tackle the climate crisis. This is why we have been offsetting all scope 1 and scope 2 emissions since 2019 and further scope 3 emissions since 2020. We know that offsetting alone is not the solution; it does, however, mitigate our impact while we pursue longer-term systemic change.
To support us on our net zero journey, Penningtons Manches Cooper has signed a commitment with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to develop our near term and net zero targets for submission by June 2024. The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Together, they have developed a global, science-based methodology for setting corporate decarbonisation targets in line with the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
In November 2022 we achieved certification to ISO 14001:2015, the international standard in environmental management. We undertake an analysis of our operational greenhouse gas emissions annually and have held the Planet Mark accreditation since 2019. We use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol as a framework for measuring and reporting our emissions.
Since 2019 we have seen positive reductions in our emissions year on year. The pandemic had a demonstrable impact on emissions owing to travel restrictions and working from home. During this time new ways of working and engaging with our clients have become commonplace and these continue to play an important role in how we operate now.
Our position on carbon offsetting is clear - it is not a solution to the climate crisis by itself, but rather a short term tool to support carbon emissions reductions and to alleviate our immediate carbon footprint during the transitionary period. The goal remains to reduce our underlying emissions beyond the level consistent with 1.5 degrees of warming.
We plan to reach this through the following initiatives:
We understand that our response to climate change over the next decade will define our future and are pursuing a varied programme designed to achieve best environmental practice. In addition, we are already working with and supporting our clients as they navigate the risks and opportunities posed by climate change. More about our work with clients can be found here.
Penningtons Manches Cooper signs the Greener Litigation Pledge
Penningtons Manches Cooper recognised for sustainability and hybrid working in Early Career Awards