Lander & Rogers announces historic commitment to global net-zero emissions target

Lander & Rogers has announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions based on the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard by 2030 – the first Australian law firm to do so. 

In a press release, CEP Genevieve Collins confirmed that the target was endorsed by the firm’s board, explaining that the commitment “enables us to show leadership in driving these standards within our profession and community.” She added that the target “seeks to reduce both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions in our business operations and supply chains.”

The firm said that this commitment is the newest step in its 2025 environmental strategy and follows calls by financial markets and governments worldwide to bolster transparency and regulation “to minimise and manage businesses' operational impact on the environment.”

“We recognise that climate change poses a very real threat and will increasingly impact law firms, our clients, and the communities in which we work. We all need to play a part in reducing our collective environmental impact,” said Joanna Renkin, pro bono, community and environment partner at Lander & Rogers

In order to meet the SBTi standard, an organisation needs to limit its greenhouse gas emissions “in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-endorsed pathways that limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels,” the firm explained. Organisations are also required to cut 90% of baseline emissions “ before accessing carbon offsets to mitigate residual emissions.”

Collins confirmed that as of 30 June, Lander & Rogers had already cut carbon emissions by 35% – ahead of the Australian national commitment for 2050. She added that the firm was also “on track to becoming zero-waste to landfill by 2025.”

Lander & Rogers said that it is among 90 Australian organisations and 6,000 organisations worldwide to announce a commitment to or a target with SBTi.