International law firm Kennedys has announced a plan to significantly reduce its carbon emissions, which has been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Kennedys pledged to cut its scope one and two emissions by 70% by 2030. These are emissions generated directly by Kennedys or indirectly, such as through purchased energy. The firm also committed to reducing its scope three emissions, including those produced through business travel and by its suppliers, by 28%.
SBTi is a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Initiative and World Wide Fund for Nature, which supports companies in reducing their carbon footprint in line with the Paris Agreement. Around 1,800 businesses globally have received approval from SBTi since the application process began in 2020.
Kennedys said it developed its emissions reduction targets by working with sustainability consultants who will continue to monitor and track Kennedys’ performance. The firm has already switched several of its UK offices to green energy tariffs, where providers will match energy used with renewable energy generation or contribute to an environmental scheme on Kennedys’ behalf.
“This is a hugely important milestone on our journey to committing to a long-term, science-based target, and we are grateful to the SBTi for their support and recognition,” said Ben Aram, global board sustainability sponsor for Kennedys. “Looking ahead, Kennedys’ sights are firmly set on net zero. We are dedicated to industry best practice and minimising the environmental impact of the firm.”
As part of its WorkWise programme, Kennedys is remodelling its offices to become more sustainable. Later this year, the firm’s London team will move to its new offices in the Fenchurch Building, popularly known as the Walkie-Talkie building. This building has received an “excellent” rating from the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
Kennedys said the ongoing WorkWise transformation programme across its 43 global offices involves close consultation with colleagues about what they would like to see, with environmental and sustainable features emerging consistently as their top priorities.
