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In a unique synchronised move, 32 law firms and the Law Society of England and Wales have unveiled their individual carbon footprints.

The results reveal an overall reduction in absolute carbon emissions of 4% among the LSA Executive members’ since the first public report in December 2008, demonstrating that carbon management remains a key priority for members, despite the economic downturn.

The Legal Sector Alliance is hosting a series of regional events in early 2010 to showcase the business benefits of taking a proactive approach to climate change, with a focus on key climate impacts and opportunities for law firms.

Expert comment by Tim Barker, PaperlinX Europe

Along with energy and travel, the legal sector views paper as a significant sustainability issue. Most firms use lots of the stuff, so it’s well worth finding out what the sustainability risks are and what can be done to minimise them.

Paper life-cycle

Taking a basic life-cycle approach, paper’s impacts encompass raw materials, manufacturing, use and disposal. There’s also the paper’s contribution to climate change, otherwise known as the carbon footprint.

2009 is the first year that LSA members have reported performance against the LSA Principles. The report details the results of the first ever survey of the LSA members’ climate change performance and preparedness, and is a significant sustainability milestone for the legal sector. It provides a baseline for understanding our members’ strengths and will ensure that we continue to provide the best possible support and resources to assist organisations in capturing improvement opportunities.

In December world leaders and climate change experts gathered in Copenhagen to try and agree a fair and comprehensive international climate change deal. To mark the event, we invite you to watch the LSA Symposium webinar to find out more about this groundbreaking sector collaboration and key climate change trends in the legal sector.

The second annual Legal Sector Alliance Climate Change Symposium on Wednesday 2 December will showcase the benefits and successes of corporate collaboration on climate change.

In the days leading up to the crucial UN negotiations in Copenhagen in early December, this symposium offers an unparalleled opportunity to hear from climate change experts from to discuss the challenge surrounding global emission reduction targets.

The Legal Sector Alliance is hosting a series of regional events throughout October to showcase the business benefits of taking a proactive approach to climate change, with a focus on key climate impacts and opportunities for law firms.

Expert comment by William Richardson and Charlie Curtis, Green Element

Seven of the top 20 UK law firms already have a formal accredited environmental management system (EMS) such as ISO 14001.

The Legal Sector Alliance is calling on G20 nations to implement more effective legislation to support the commitments they make to tackling climate change.

The call comes ahead of the G20 Pittsburgh Summit on 24 September and the end-of-year Copenhagen Summit where leaders from across the world will meet for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to thrash out a global deal on carbon emissions.

The Law Society Excellence Awards has a new category for 2009 - the Legal Sector Alliance Award for Environmental Responsibility. All LSA members are encouraged to enter as the award will provide high-profile recognition for the best-practice environmental initiatives carried out by their firms.