The publication covers the UK government's early 2026 decision to reduce indexation on longstanding renewable energy subsidies to reduce green energy levies on consumer bills, the Shell/Odette litigation, new sustainability reporting standards coming into force, strategic reforms transforming infrastructure and data centre investment, and heightened scrutiny facing sectors from fashion to financial services.

Dentons published insights from its Real Estate ESG Task Force covering key developments in EU energy renovation frameworks, the evolving EU deforestation regime, and practical implementation of ESG in real estate contracts.

This recognition follows the firm's recent achievements including EcoVadis Platinum rating (top 1% of legal and accounting businesses globally), ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications for the fifth consecutive year, ranking as 2nd best performing UK Top 75 law firm for greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, and featuring in Legal 500's UK Green Guide 2025 for the second consecutive year.

Linklaters relocated its global HQ to 20 Ropemaker Street after 30 years at One Silk Street. The 360,000-square-foot building is designed to BREEAM 'Outstanding' and WELL 'Platinum' standards with over 500 cycle storage spaces, dedicated active commuter entrance, zero waste to landfill, and efficient energy/water use. 

WWT, the wetland charity, has received a generous grant from its long term partner Eversheds Sutherland’s Charitable Trust, to supplement transport costs and support engagement for two flagship programmes: Generation Wild and Blue Influencers.

Irwin Mitchell has set a target to transition its entire partner vehicle fleet to hybrid or fully electric models by 2029 as part of their broader environmental programme, which supports their aim to reach net zero across the value chain by 2040.

Taylor Wessing reopened its London HQ at 5 New Street Square following an 18-month sustainable refurbishment. Key outcomes include: 56% lower carbon emissions than a new build, 50% greater energy efficiency, air source heat pumps, 100% renewable electricity, WELL Platinum pre-certification and a rooftop pollinator garden.

Shoosmiths achieved zero operational emissions by purchasing biochar credits from Cambodia. The project converts rice husks into biochar, storing carbon in soil for centuries and supporting local farmers. Shoosmiths prioritised permanent, traceable carbon removals over traditional offsets as part of its net-zero 2040 plan.

Clyde & Co is taking a long-term approach to net zero by securing carbon removal credits through a five-year deal with Nature Broking, covering 10,000 tonnes of emissions annually from 2038.

Freeths has opened a BREEAM Excellent–rated office in Milton Keynes, reinforcing its B Corp commitment to sustainability. The space features smart energy systems, recycled and carbon-negative materials, and green transport facilities, reflecting the firm’s focus on low-carbon, responsible operations.

Hogan Lovells and the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), with input from Love Our Ouse, have released a new practical guide on the Rights of Rivers. Aimed at local communities and councils, it explains how rivers can be recognised as having legal rights to exist, flow, regenerate, and remain free from pollution. The guide outlines practical steps for local authorities, showcases leading examples from councils such as Lewes, Basingstoke, and Test Valley, and explores how rivers can be represented in local decision-making.

Ashurst are pleased to announce that the firm has been certified to the international environmental management standard (EMS): ISO 14001 in respect of its London office. This recognises the firm's commitment to best practice in environmental management.

Osborne Clarke has rolled out carbon budgets across its UK offices and is preparing to introduce internal carbon pricing and trading from the next financial year. The scheme allocates annual carbon budgets for business travel measured in tonnes of CO2. The size of each departmental budget is based on Osborne Clarke’s science-based targets, which require a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.

White & Case has won the Innovation Award at this year's IJGlobal ESG Awards, for their work with Botanic Gardens Conservation International in creating the world's first legal framework for trading biodiversity impact credits, or BICs.

For the fifth year in a row, Cooley earned an A grade on the 2025 Law Firm Climate Change Scorecard, recognising its minimal involvement in fossil fuel-related work. The firm’s continued top ranking reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible legal practice.

The firm has signed the Climate Action Pledge with Business in the Community NI, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

The shift supports environmental sustainability through lower emissions and energy use, while also enhancing operational resilience and contributing to regional economic development.

Mayer Brown wins "Most Innovative Law Firm in Sustainability" for advising Standard Chartered Bank on the establishment of its historic, first-of-its-kind $3 billion clean energy infrastructure CLO platform with Apollo.

Mishcon de Reya sponsors Sustainable Startup Investment Summit 2025, supporting connections between investors and sustainable startups.

Huge congratulations to Abhay Srivastava. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in environmental, social and governance performance across the UK legal profession.

A blog exploring the scientific foundations of attribution science, its implications under tort law, particularly nuisance, and how it is reshaping climate accountability. By Ariel Edesess, ESG Senior Analyst at Hill Dickinson 

Shoosmiths has refreshed its approach to ESG with the launch of its first sustainability strategy in line with the firm’s aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, with fresh initiatives including the development of a Sustainability Steering Committee and new sustainability-centred role.

A long-term biodiversity partnership between Mills & Reeve LLP and Small Woods Association that invests in woodland management and social forestry programmes.

The Lawyer reports that Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has introduced an onsite wormery to tackle food waste from its London office. Known as ‘the wormery’, it is situated outside the canteen and is home to 70,000 earthworms, which processes around 325 kilograms of food waste each month.

Freshfields mandatory education module on environmental topics went live on Wednesday 5th March. Over 2025, the firm will roll out a global training module that is compulsory for all staff, partners and new joiners. This will be followed by a requirement to annually update knowledge.

Congratulations to Travers Smith, who were thrilled to win two awards at the Clean City Awards Scheme (CCAS) ceremony, run by the City of London Corporation, which recognised the firm's commitment to a sustainable environment. 

Ashurst commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and business travel emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2023 baseline year. Ashurst further commits that by 2029, 85% of its purchased goods and services emissions will come from suppliers that have set science-based targets.

RWK Goodman's new 'Digital First’ approach offers digital business cards made from recyclable material that allow colleagues to transfer their contact details directly onto any smartphone, with a simple tap.

Leading report positions Weightmans as the second-best performing law firm for GHG emissions in 2024, the firm is included in the 2025 Legal 500 Green Guide, and Simon Colvin is named in The Legal 500’s exclusive new Green Ambassadors list.

Alex Rhodes and Dan Gray of Mishcon de Reya explore the Earth Commission's ground-breaking report highlighting the jeopardy for those failing to take sustainable transformation seriously.

A podcast with members of Fragomen’s Green Team exploring how even a small group of employees can drive big changes within their workplace’s sustainability practices. 

Mills & Reeve and client Albanwise Environment have embarked on the first step in an innovative, first of its kind partnership to transform a difficult to cultivate area of floodplain into a biodiverse wetland.

A recording of the LSA's event The Global Goals in Action, the first in the Green Brief series of practical guides for law firms. Join Matt Sparkes and Mike Harvey as they explore the Global Goals and their potential to inspire firm-wide engagement with your sustainability agenda.

Congratulations to Norton Rose Fulbright on their ambitious targets and publication of their responsible business report

Shoosmiths is delighted to have won People in Law’s ‘Best Environmental, Social and Governance Initiative’

The latest edition of the global guide to the regulatory frameworks governing business, is now live.

Training and Insights on Climate for the Legal Profession

The firm also encouraged colleagues to use the time to give an hour to Earth, spending 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for the planet

Specialist healthcare lawyer and LSA member Capsticks LLP has reached the next milestone on it’s sustainability journey

We asked Eleanor Maciver, Partner and Sustainability Champion at IP firm Mewburn Ellis about the secret to the firm’s sustainability successes