Osborne Clarke makes international near- and long-term SBTi commitments

International legal practice Osborne Clarke announces international near- and long-term commitments to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a corporate climate action NGO that works in partnership with CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, the World Wide Fund for Nature and We Mean Business Coalition.

Following its UK business receiving full validation of its targets in November 2023, Osborne Clarke is now focusing its attention on an equivalent net-zero strategy for its entire international business.

Osborne Clarke has submitted two commitments to the SBTi – a near-term commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% across all scopes by 2030, as well as a long-term commitment of reaching at least a 90% reduction by 2040, against a 2021 baseline year.

"Part of our strategy is to support our clients with their own decarbonisation, that's why it's so important our international business invests in reducing our own carbon emissions and limiting environmental impact. It's been a big undertaking to get to this point and we're delighted to make these commitments as we progress along the pathway to net-zero," said Omar Al-Nuaimi, Osborne Clarke's International CEO.

As part of its pledge, Osborne Clarke established an international Sustainability Working Group. Overseen by Omar and made up of Partners and senior leadership and reporting to the International Board, the group sets the firm's strategic approach to sustainability and carbon reduction, monitoring and assuring progress and performance.

As part of the target setting process, it also conducted a detailed analysis of its full carbon emissions baseline to help it assess its preparedness and identify opportunities for adopting and delivering the carbon reduction commitments.

"We now await the formal verification of our near-term target from SBTi, hopefully expected in the coming months. In the mean time we will be getting a head start on our strategy, beginning with a more detailed review of carbon emissions in our supply chain and engaging with our suppliers to share best practice," said Omar.

These commitments have been recognised by The Legal 500 Green Guide. This guide aims to highlight top law firms which advise their clients on climate change, governance and sustainability issues, and that have an active internal approach to these issues. Selected by the Legal 500 editorial team, the firm and its teams have been rewarded for their contribution to 'green change' and ESG issues.

Being a responsible and ethical business and employer underpins Osborne Clarke's business strategy. Sustainability commitments are managed through Osborne Clarke For Good, which is the firm's way of ensuring it is a good corporate citizen, a good employer and a good business.