Pioneering the way to a low-carbon economy, environmental lawyers and climate-change practices are the latest “must have” for any future-facing, self-respecting modern law firm.
In a world that has never been more aware of climate change, law firms are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise environmental impacts, as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“There has been a sharp increase in public awareness and interest in the green energy sector,” said Baker & McKenzie partner, Beatrice Schaffrath, co-head of the firm’s environmental and climate change practice. “Law firms are increasingly aware of climate-change issues, both from a business perspective as well as from a day-to-day operational perspective.”
Baker & McKenzie’s offices have undertaken a number of environmentally focused initiatives, including recycling measures like the increased use and collection of recycled materials. There is also an energy-efficiency program in operation, with a focus on energy conservation and smarter use of electricity and equipment; and participation in environmental conservation activities like a tree-planting day.
“Another substantive impact that law firms can have is in using their legal skills to assist with the development of best practices globally, in policy formation, in the establishment and framing of regulatory responses, and in establishing market mechanisms,” Schaffrath said.