Irwin Mitchell Announces Independent Verification Of Net-Zero Target By SBTi

A year on from announcing an ambitious environmental strategy, Irwin Mitchell has confirmed it is achieving its goals, including verification of its near-term and long term Net-Zero target by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Following World Environment Day in 2022, the national law firm announced it will target 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and achieve carbon Net-Zero by 2040.

Priorities in the first year included improving reporting and transparency of aims, achievements and performance; supporting clients with their own Net-Zero journey and working with the supply chain to reduce their environmental impacts. The strategy saw the launch of a roadmap to Net-Zero and the pledge to verify climate targets externally.

In a major milestone, independent verification of Irwin Mitchell’s near-term and long-term Net-Zero target has been validated by the SBTi. This means the firm’s action is in line with the latest science and puts Irwin Mitchell alongside a community of organisations taking practical steps to deliver a Net-Zero Economy.

The SBTi commended Irwin Mitchell’s net-zero target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.

The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve Net-Zero emissions before 2050.

To ensure transparency, Irwin Mitchell is required to provide regular progress updates and renew targets against the latest criteria within five years.

In addition to achieving independent SBTI verification, other highlights over the past year have included the launch of the firm’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory service in February, aiding corporate and institutional clients with their ESG strategy.

Expert Opinion

“It’s a pleasure to be able to report that a year into our environmental strategy, one of our key milestones of independent verification of our Net-Zero target by the STBI is now in place.

“We are also well on track to meet all our core targets, with corporate sustainability a key business objective and part of our aim to be a leading responsible business.

“The SBTi have approved our near and long-term targets for Net-Zero, but we’re determined to use this early success as a springboard to achieve more over the coming year.

“Our aim is to put Irwin Mitchell at the forefront of corporate sustainability, leading by example and working with colleagues and others to demonstrate the sound business sense adopting green initiatives can bring. Our future targets are challenging but we’re confident we can achieve a cleaner, greener result for all.” Louise Needham

Following World Environment Day on 5 June, Irwin Mitchell confirmed it would continue to take action over five core areas over the coming year. The promotion of energy efficiency across all offices will continue as part of the Net-Zero transition plan; while Irwin Mitchell continues to review the vehicle fleet to increase the number of hybrid and electric vehicles and review business travel policies.

An updated supplier code of conduct will be formalised and include procurement of sustainable alternatives; while the new ESG advisory service will support clients with their own sustainability objectives and in tackling overall green targets.