Environment
Environment
At Eversheds Sutherland, we understand that our operations have a local, regional and global impact on the environment. Since 2008 we have committed to being a leader among law firms in enhancing the sustainability of the practice of law. We are committed to promoting the conservation of natural resources, preventing environmental pollution and continuously improving our environmental performance.
Our net-zero targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has verified Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP’s science-based net-zero target by 2040. Eversheds Sutherland has approved near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi.
Our 2040 target year establishes the firm as having the most ambitious approved science-based net-zero target in the US among law firms.
Near-term targets
Commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 98% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Eversheds Sutherland also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 50% within the same time frame.
Long-term targets
Commits to maintain a minimum of 98% absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reductions from 2030 through 2040 from a 2019 base year. The firm also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2040 from a 2019 base year.
Tom Warren Eversheds Sutherland Co-Head of Global Energy and US Sustainability Partner
“This important step furthers our commitment to sustainability across our US business operations and to continuously improving our environmental performance. These validated targets will help keep our firm focused on demonstrating transparency, accountability and corporate leadership in environmental sustainability.”
Emissions overview
Our emissions direction: Comparing our baseline 2019 and 2023 emissions (tCO2e) and percent change
We have partnered with EcoAct, an international climate consultancy and project developer, to monitor our carbon footprint and advise on our reduction strategy and target setting. We are also committed to transparent reporting of our emissions each year. While our total emissions have been reduced significantly since 2019, we did see an increase in emissions between 2022 and 2023, primarily in spend-based Scope 3 data. This was particularly true for food, beverage and entertainment spend. Part of our strategy includes working with suppliers to move away from spend-based emissions calculations in favor of true emissions data.
Scope 1 and 2 overview
The majority of Scope 1 and 2 emissions are a result of purchased electricity at Eversheds Sutherland’s offices (Scope 2). This accounts for 98% of total Scope 1 and 2 location-based emissions in 2023. In 2023, Eversheds Sutherland purchased 6,250 MWh of renewable energy certificates, removing all Scope 2 market-based emissions associated with purchased electricity. Consequently, total market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 83 tCO2e, a 98% reduction from the base year.
Scope 3 overview
Committed to operating sustainably
Across our US offices, we work to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices into our daily operations. In addition to our everyday changes and practices, we are actively seeking a significant reduction in our office footprint moving forward as leases reach their term. Any new leases or offices will include an environmental sustainability review and remain part of the decision-making process during both the leasing and design phases.
Technology improvements
- Reducing printers and copiers, including adoption of energy-saving multifunction printers that use approximately 50% less energy than the combined annual consumption of the individual products they replaced
- Reducing desk phones in current offices and eliminating desk phones in new offices
- Lease of laptops for repurposing by lessor
- Building property management e-waste recycling around Earth Day and in offices year-round
- Progressing a supplier engagement program for technology vendors to improve environmental reporting and reduce scope 3 emissions
Energy usage
- Planning to reduce the square footage of our office space
- Implementing energy-saving light fixtures where possible with new build-outs
Paper usage and office supplies
- Reduction of overall paper consumption by 76% from 2019 to 2023
- Negotiating contracts to supply more eco-friendly and recyclable office supplies
LEED building certification
Building level of certification:
LEED Silver
San Diego
LEED Gold
Atlanta
Austin (Office space: LEED Silver, certification pending)
Chicago
Houston
New York
LEED Platinum
Sacramento
San Francisco
Washington DC (Office space: LEED Silver)
LEED Silver
San Diego
LEED Gold
Atlanta
Austin (Office space: LEED Silver, certification pending)
Chicago
Houston
New York
LEED Platinum
Sacramento
San Francisco
Washington DC (Office space: LEED Silver)
Note: All office buildings and our office spaces are separately LEED-certified
Eversheds Sutherland (US) Sustainability Committee
Since 2008, the Eversheds Sutherland (US) Sustainability Committee has worked to significantly reduce waste and promote the conservation of energy and natural resources. The committee is comprised of various professionals, across departments and practice areas, who bring together their knowledge and ideas to move forward our environmental initiatives.
Eversheds Sutherland (US) Sustainability Committee
Since 2008, the Eversheds Sutherland (US) Sustainability Committee has worked to significantly reduce waste and promote the conservation of energy and natural resources. The committee is comprised of various professionals, across departments and practice areas, who bring together their knowledge and ideas to move forward our environmental initiatives.
Celebrating Earth Day 2024
Keynote speaker event
Keynote speaker Danielle Holly with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation joined us to discuss circular economy, EMF and its work addressing global environmental challenges and advocacy for the circular economy transition and steps individuals can take to contribute to a circular economy and a more sustainable future. The discussion was moderated by Michael Lebovitz (EMF Trustee and Tax Partner in the San Francisco office).
Earth Day Challenge
This year, our colleagues joined in a challenge of taking small actions to help our planet by reducing waste and adopting sustainable habits. The challenge, made possible by our employee giving platform powered by Benevity, included 10 activities to complete.
ONE Award
Every year, we recognize one person or team at the firm through the ONE Award. The award encourages our people across the firm to share how they are doing one thing different to lower their carbon footprint and to help the environment. Colleagues were encouraged to nominate themselves or an individual/team they work with that goes above and beyond in their sustainability efforts. The winner of the ONE Award receives a $500 donation to the environmental charity of their choice.
Bonnie Burke Senior Attorney, Atlanta
Congratulations to the US winner, Bonnie Burke (Senior Attorney, Atlanta). Bonnie is dedicated to living sustainably, showing that small actions can make a real difference. As part of her rowing association, Bonnie ensures their team’s section of Lake Allatoona and surrounding land stays clear of trash and debris and participates in an annual cleanup effort with other groups around the lake. Bonnie also makes an effort to buy sustainable products in her daily life, when possible (produce shopping bags, laundry detergent, paper towels, etc.), and this year she is even learning to become vegan.
Helping our planet
Volunteers from our Washington DC office celebrated Earth Day by participating in a cleanup activity in partnership with the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). The AWS Earth Day Cleanup is its largest annual volunteer event, where volunteers go to dozens of sites around the watershed to pick up trash, serve their communities and enjoy the Anacostia River.
Our valued partnerships
Drawdown Georgia
Drawdown Georgia is a statewide initiative working to catalyze a Georgia beyond carbon. Its road map lays out a vision for scaling Georgia-specific climate solutions in ways that prioritize equity and public health, create jobs and nurture the natural environment.
EcoAct
EcoAct is an international climate consultancy and project developer, helping businesses and organizations succeed in their climate ambitions.
Our contacts
Thank you for reading our 2024 US Responsible Business Report. To read our 2024 International Responsible Business Report, please visit our website.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Aileen Crowson Chief Responsible Business and Pro Bono Practice Officer T: 1 404 407 5094 aileencrowson@eversheds-sutherland.com
Natasha Orehowsky Responsible Business and Pro Bono Practice Manager T: +1 202 383 0356 natashaorehowsky@eversheds-sutherland.com
© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.
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