Introduction

Inspired by and modelled in part upon RE100, the LSA Legal Renewables Initiative asks members to make a commitment to switching their UK offices and premises to certified 100% renewable electricity by 2025.

Many LSA members have policies and practices in place around energy use and carbon reduction so the next logical step is to focus on renewable supply and to work towards our collective Net Zero goals as a nation through adopting renewable tariffs for domestic energy supply.

Read our blog The Legal Renewables Initiative Relaunches to Help Law Firms Cut Scope 2 Emissions.

Why join the LRI?

• The LRI is a clear commitment to green energy that demonstrates to your staff, stakeholders and clients that you are serious about reducing your climate impact
• The LRI offers advice and events to inspire and inform both on an individual and commercial level, including content on reducing energy consumption both at work and at home that you can download and use across the firm
• The initiative offers the opportunity to use the Legal Renewables Initiative branding and logo on your website and internal communications

Avoid greenwashing

We want to help members avoid greenwashing. LSA members may already be on green tariffs provided by large energy suppliers, which is definitely a step in the right direction and does qualify for inclusion in the LRI. However, some of these tariffs are not quite what they seem – they may not be wholly sourced from renewables. Some providers buy energy which has been sold and recertified on the wholesale market, claiming that it is from 100% renewable sources, even when it is not.

If you are purchasing a green tariff from a mainstream company, the majority of whose supply is from fossil fuel sources, then you may be better switching to a fully renewable company.

Here are some useful questions to ask your suppliers to be sure that your tariff is 100% green:

1. Ask them how much of their renewable electricity comes from power purchase agreements they hold directly with renewable generators​
2. Does your renewables spend result in the creation of new renewables?
3. Where are your generators based, how local are they to my organisation?​
4. Does the offsetting scheme for your green gas help to increase the global supply of green gas, or does it involve something unrelated, such as planting trees?

Useful resources to help you make informed choices 

For a useful starter guide on energy tariffs check out this blog from The Energy Saving Trust.

If you are thinking of installing a heat pump or solar panels at home, read this article on making your home more energy self sufficient. This includes an offer from our partners at Good Energy – a 50% discount when booking a heat pump survey before 31/03/24. Call 0333 016 4500 and quote LRIWINTER50 – T&Cs apply.

Check out this glossary of green energy terms to help you decipher your renewable energy tariff.

To find out more about energy greenwashing and to make sure your tariff isn’t brown badged as green check out the facts check out this blog from Good Energy.

Find out how to Save Your Energy in this blog from Chartered Energy Manager Stan Rayfield. 

A blog about how heat pumps work from Good Energy.

Why have we partnered with Good Energy to support this initiative?

Good Energy was founded over two decades ago to offer businesses a way to be part of a practical solution to climate change. In that time, they have grown from focusing on supplying 100% renewable electricity from independent generators, to also providing access to services such as solar panel and heat pump installation. We believe they can offer additional insight and support to law firms when it comes to thinking about a switch to a green tariff. Which? has placed Good Energy at the top of its Eco Provider table for three years running, achieving the maximum points for transparency and clarity, for buying and selling renewable power, for low carbon technology installations and selling green gas, Time of Use (TOU) and smart export tariffs.

By embracing renewable energy, legal firms in the UK not only demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability but also pave the way for a greener future. Leading the charge in sustainable practices, they set a powerful example for the corporate sector, showcasing how businesses can be both ethical and efficient, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable society.

 

Tom Parsons, Director of Sales and Origination, Good Energy

How to join the Legal Renewables Initiative

• Make a public commitment to going 100% renewable for your electricity supply for UK locations and offices by 2025 – preferably from a 100% renewables energy company
• Demonstrate a willingness to share green energy ideas and information with staff and employees to encourage shifting attitudes at home as well as at work
• Focus your organisation on energy saving and reduced consumption to help drive down carbon and climate impacts
• Be a member of the LSA

Firms who have joined the LRI to date: