Carbon Counting Essentials
A Pathway to Carbon Counting
The legal sector plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses toward a more sustainable future and it’s essential that chambers and firms lead by example. Cutting carbon isn’t just good for the planet — it cuts costs, strengthens your firm’s reputation, and aligns with client expectations.
Research carried out by Greener Litigation’s project “Understanding the maturity of signatories’ data” revealed that over 50% of GLP signatories have not yet published data on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions and have not set public formal emissions reduction targets. Yet new Greener Litigation Minimum Standards will require signatories to either publish carbon emissions/footprint data, and commit to a year-on-year reduction, or if they do not already measure it, commit to doing so within twelve months of signing the Pledge.
We hope that these resources will support you on your carbon journey.
Your Carbon Impact – Measure It to Manage It
Every organisation’s sustainability journey starts with understanding its carbon footprint. Not sure where to begin? This online event covered:
- Why counting your carbon matters – from client expectations to regulatory pressures and competitive advantage
- Getting started – the core principles of carbon measurement for professional services and what a first-year footprint typically looks like
- The data – understanding what you need, where to look for it and how to gather it efficiently
- Ways to measure your emissions – tools and methodologies
- From insight to action – using your footprint to identify hotspots and prioritise reduction
Working in Collaboration
The legal profession is well-positioned to accelerate meaningful climate and nature action. But real change requires more than good intentions — it is boosted by collaboration, leadership, and practical support. We will maximise our efforts if we work together, sharing best practice and resources. The leading UK networks can support you to manage your carbon impact and offer a space to explore your role in the climate crisis.
If you are a law firm, consider joining the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA). If you are a chambers, consider joining the Bar Sustainability Network (BSN). Both of these organisations offer free carbon calculators as part of membership. Other networks of interest include: NZLA, UKELA, GCS Forum, Legal Charter 1.5 and The Chancery Lane Project.
Upskill
The Climate Change Legal Knowledge Hub has been developed by Legal Charter 1.5, NZLA and the Legal Sustainability Alliance.
This platform is open and freely available to all, collating over 150 resources which empower colleagues to upskill themselves to take practical steps to tackle climate change and mitigate climate risk.
Whilst some resources are specifically aimed at qualified lawyers, many will benefit everyone working in the legal sector, including aspiring solicitors and those in professional support teams.
VIEW THE CLIMATE CHANGE LEGAL KNOWLEDGE HUB→
Quick Wins to Boost Your Organisation’s Sustainability
This resource, written by carbon experts, lists a number of quick and easy steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact and save money. It is freely available for you to download, share, amend as you see fit.
Quick Wins to Boost Your Organisation’s Sustainability
The Law Society’s Membership engagement and services
Law Societies nationwide support solicitors and legal professionals through events, member engagement, policy influence and partnerships. From organising 100+ events a year to collaborating with local law societies and junior lawyer groups, they can help strengthen the profession and enhance the member experience.
The Sustainable Law Podcast
The Sustainable Law Podcast hosts thoughtful conversations with industry leaders, academics, activists, policy makers and those working within the industry, to explore how the climate and nature crises are affecting the legal sector and how listeners can have an impact.
LISTEN TO PODCASTS →
Get involved to shape sustainable litigation
We are seeking two volunteers from private practice or the Bar to join us a Greener Litigation Project as we continue to push for a more sustainable future in litigation, specifically when preparing court bundles. You are:
- Someone who has experience with court bundling, the good, the bad, and the ugly
- Passionate about fostering more sustainable practices in litigation
- Willing to spend around three to five hours a month supporting this project
Interested? Please email manager@greenerlitigation.org if you can contribute to this work.