Kate Hursthouse
Global law firm Kennedys has set out a science-backed plan to achieve net zero by 2040.
The firm — which has 48 offices, including in Dublin and Belfast — is committed to reducing its global Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90 per cent from the 2040 fiscal year, using the 2020 fiscal year as a baseline.
The remaining 10 per cent of emissions, also known as residual emissions, will be offset through carbon removal projects.
This net zero target has now been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
SBTi previously validated the firm’s near-term emissions reduction commitment, under which it is committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70 per cent and Scope 3 emissions by 28 per cent by the 2030 fiscal year.
Between the 2020 and 2024 fiscal years, the firm has achieved a 26 per cent reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions, driven by over a third of offices globally procuring renewable energy.
Kennedys intends to procure electricity by renewable means across all its global offices by 2030; revise its business travel policy to align with sustainability goals; engage with suppliers to understand their environmental ambitions, and encourage them to set their own emission reduction targets; and educate employees through initiatives including an annual Climate Action campaign, online e-learning and a workshop for senior leaders.
The firm will provide updates on its progress in its annual responsible business report, the 2023-2024 edition of which has just been published.
Kate Hursthouse, head of responsible business at Kennedys, said: “Choosing a net zero target year of FY2040 was ambitious, but we knew it was achievable. This is a significant milestone for the firm and has been more than two years in the making.
“As a firm, we wholeheartedly recognise that we have a responsibility to play our part in limiting climate change, and we are committed to taking meaningful action. The launch of our responsible business report further reinforces our focus on integrating sustainable and responsible practices into the heart of how we do business.”
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