Resources
An integral part of our ESG strategy is our commitment to Net Zero
As legal professionals, we recognise the far-reaching influence our work can have on the environment. From advising clients on environmental regulations to managing our own office practices, we understand the importance of taking responsibility for the environmental impact of our actions.
Our environmental approach is immersed in all aspects of our business and we are dedicated to taking meaningful steps towards reducing our overall carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices across our operations and those of our suppliers.
Sustainable procurement is a core policy for us. It forms an essential component of all our supplier contracts, ensuring that our entire supply chain aligns with our sustainability objectives.
This commitment goes beyond responsibility; it’s a moral obligation, aiming to protect the environment for our clients, employees, and future generations.
Our Sustainability Team has developed a Carbon Glossary to provide a clearer understanding of key environmental sustainability terms. Click here to explore the glossary.
Our Net Zero Commitment
We recognise the urgent need to address the global challenge of climate change and are fully committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Our near-term targets reflect with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and commit to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base year, and scope 3 emissions 42% within the same timeframe.
Current progress
Power through partnerships
To help us on our journey, we have partnered with a number of leading organisations and initiatives dedicated to making our world a better place.
Legal Sustainability Alliance
We are a member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance and work with them to achieve our environmental goals. The LSA is a collaborative network providing advice, information and resources to the legal sector as it transitions to net zero. In 2023, we joined the Legal Renewables Initiative, launched by the Legal Sustainability Alliance, with a commitment to using 100% certified renewable energy in our offices by 2025.
Campaign for Greener Arbitrations
Our partners who act as arbitrators are signatories to the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of international arbitrations. A fundamental objective of this group was the establishment of a Framework and set of Protocols to promote better environmental behaviour through a series of action items. The Protocols serve as practical guidance for implementing the tenets of the Guiding Principles.
Greener Litigation Pledge
We are also the first Scottish law firm to sign up to the Greener Litigation Pledge, committing us to ensure that we minimise the environmental impact when resolving disputes. Greener Litigation’s principal objective is to support the courts and court users in becoming carbon neutral (and ultimately carbon negative) and to encourage lasting change in litigation practice.
Terra Carta
We are very proud to be a signatory to the Terra Carta which provides a roadmap to 2030 for businesses to move towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of nature combined with the transformative power, innovation and resources of the private sector.
Scotland: The Big Picture
We are committed to providing pro-bono support to a number of initiatives where we can make a difference.
SCOTLAND: The Big Picture are a charity working to restore Scotland’s landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and deliver economic benefits to rural communities. As ‘Rewilding Business Partner’, we will provide pro bono legal advice to support the charity’s Northwoods Rewilding Network, a pioneering initiative connecting a growing community of farmers, crofters, community groups and other landowners who currently steward over 25,000 acres of land across Scotland.
Some of our latest initiatives:
Burness Paull supports SCOTLAND: The Big Picture as Rewilding Business Partner
09/10/2024
Burness Paull announces new partnership with rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.
Sustainable Development Goals Roadshow 2024: The power of partnerships
Key takeaways from the UN Global Compact's SDG Roadshow.
Burness Paull’s head of ESG recognised as “Power Player”
28/06/2024
Steven Stewart has been listed amongst the top legal advisers in providing innovative ESG advice.
Burness Paull steps into 2024 with Wellness Month
19/02/2024
To kick off 2024, we launched our annual Wellbeing Month.
Carbon reporting: A guide to responsibility and transparency
Understanding what to report in terms of carbon emissions is a crucial yet complex task.
Going green in graduate recruitment
04/10/2023
Embracing sustainable recruitment for new talent.
A sustainable summer for Burness Paull
07/09/2023
This summer many of our colleagues committed to removing single use plastic from their working day.