2023 saw a flurry of activity in the sphere of advised emissions, culminating in a set of draft guidelines being published by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign. In the legal sector, these greenhouse gas emissions are specifically those resulting from or associated with the advice given by lawyers, which fall outside of the traditional reporting scopes. They are sometimes referred to as ‘Scope 4’ or ‘Scope X’. There is growing awareness around the subject, with firms facing pressure to acknowledge the potential impacts of their advice and to seek ways to reduce them.

Advised emissions are especially important in professional services, as they are likely the most significant emissions category for such businesses.

By taking action on advised emissions, law firms can accelerate their clients’ own climate initiatives, thereby contributing in no small way to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Any firm that is contemplating a Net Zero commitment must also consider its approach to advised emissions. Without this, any climate policy would be incomplete.

Read the full report from Director Matt Cripsey below. For more information about ESG don’t hesitate to get in touch and subscribe to our newsletter to benefit from our strategic advice.