Legal Sector Alliance Principles published
The Legal Sector Alliance (LSA) has launched a set of principles to support members in taking action on climate change.
The LSA is an inclusive movement of law firms and organisations committed to working collaboratively to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
The LSA firmly believes that acting on climate change is in our collective interest and that greater impact can be achieved through collaborative action and the sharing of knowledge and experience than can be achieved individually. The greater the number of firms, chambers and in-house legal teams that get involved, the greater the chance of having a real influence on the way the sector does business.
The LSA principles have been developed through extensive consultation with environmental experts and law firms of all sizes across the country. They cover firms’ own operations, as well as their influence on clients, suppliers, employees and policy makers.
The principles are:
As members of the Legal Sector Alliance, we commit to:
1. Measure, manage and reduce the impact of our operations
2. Work with external stakeholders to reduce our indirect impact
3. Integrate awareness of climate change across our business
4. Consider the implications of climate change in the advice we give
5. Work collaboratively to engage in the public debate on climate change and to develop, apply and promote best practice across the sector
6. Report on our progress and be accountable
Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director, Forum for the Future said; "I think these Principles are excellent, and I am impressed to see just how comprehensive the boundary conditions are - that’s really important. I look forward to seeing how the legal profession takes these principles forward into action."
Firms, chambers and in-house legal teams can sign up to the principles and join the LSA through the website www.legalsectoralliance.com. Tools, case studies and other resources will be developed to support members in putting the principles into practice.
Andrew Whitehead, Head of Energy and Utilities, Martineau, said, "More so than ever, existing and potential clients are examining our environmental credentials....an inclusive sectoral approach that seeks to embrace in-house teams as well as their external advisers is an easy sell."
Joining the LSA offers members:
- access to knowledge and to networks within the sector and regionally
- access to materials and resources to support action on climate change
- the opportunity to collaborate on joint initiatives
- support in developing and implementing an environmental strategy
- opportunities to communicate commitment to acting on climate change to key audiences, including employees and clients
- profiling through case studies, on the website and on other platforms
- use of the Legal Sector Alliance logo to show commitment to taking action
Desmond Hudson, Law Society Chief Executive, said: "As the economic downturn gathers pace businesses and individuals alike are feeling the pinch. Economic uncertainty coupled with increasingly urgent warnings of climate change reinforce the importance of streamlining expenditure through environmental efficiencies."