Lawyers develop first carbon measuring tool for legal profession

28 April 2008

An alliance comprising law firms and organisations today announced plans to develop a carbon footprint measuring tool for firms across the sector.

The initiative is being developed by the Legal Sector Alliance (LSA), an inclusive movement of law firms and organisations committed to working collaboratively to encourage the legal profession to commit to environmental sustainability.

The LSA Carbon Footprint Protocol is being developed by the sector for the sector in recognition of the fact that many law firms have not yet begun to measure their carbon footprint.  Early results from an LSA survey reveal that many firms have not measured their carbon footprint because they do not know where to start. 

Law Society Chief Executive Des Hudson said: “You can't manage what you haven't measured, so calculation of your carbon footprint is absolutely crucial before you take action to reduce it."

The tool being developed will include a document outlining its scope and methodology, a spreadsheet-based measurement tool and practical guidance, which will specifically address the most common issues faced by law firms.

The LSA believes it is essential for firms to measure their carbon footprint, before any efforts to reduce it can be made and will be developing the protocol in collaboration with LSA members who have already measured their carbon footprint.

The Protocols, which are not expected to be launched until July this year, will assist firms with this measurement, and will help them to benchmark their performance.  The Protocols will also help improve comparability across the sector. 

Des Hudson added:   "It must be stressed that no firm using the protocol to measure their carbon footprint will be required to publicly disclose the results, where firms choose to make the information available or it is requested by clients the protocol does allow fair comparison – unlike in the past when different methodologies have been used.”

Harry Morrison, Senior Strategy Manager, Carbon Trust, said: 

"The Carbon Trust welcomes this sector initiative that encourages its members to measure their carbon emissions. We look forward to working with businesses in the legal sector and Business in the Community [BITC]  to ensure robust measurement underpins ongoing carbon management and reduction efforts."

Guy Stobart, Managing Partner, Burges Salmon, said:
"Burges Salmon is very pleased to be involved in the LSA and to be taking an active role in the development of the carbon footprint protocol. The protocol is one part of the initiative, which will also cover such issues as resource use and working with employees and suppliers, and we firmly believe it will assist the profession in making a real difference."

Roy Morgan, Principal, Morgan Solicitors, said:
 
"The development of this protocol is going to be valuable for small and large firms alike. As Chair of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group I am aware that many practices simply do not know where to start with measuring their carbon footprint, so I am pleased that we will be able to benefit from the experiences of colleagues in larger firms."

Jim Haywood, Environment Director, Business in the Community, said:

"The Legal Sector Alliance is a brilliant example of the benefit of focused collaboration within a specific sector on the urgent issue of climate change. The Carbon Footprint Protocol will ensure that the sector is well placed to measure its impact and take the right actions to reduce this.''

Nigel Knowles, Joint CEO of DLA Piper and Chair of the Legal Sector Alliance, said:

"Helping law firms to address climate change issues in a way that makes sense to them is central to the work of the Legal Sector Alliance and from our discussions across the sector it is clear that law firms of all sizes would benefit from practical advice on how they can measure and reduce their emissions.  Having access to easy to use guidelines and tools specifically adapted for the sector will make it possible for more law firms to implement effective changes."

The UK legal sector has a major role to play in tackling climate change both directly through its own activities and indirectly through its influence over clients, suppliers and Government.

The LSA aims to launch the Protocol at the end of July when it has been tested by a range of firms.