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Driving change. Not just talking about it.

At Sharpe Pritchard, sustainability is not a side initiative – it is embedded in how we operate, how we advise, and how we lead.

We are committed to reaching net zero by 2040, supported by a clear and measurable pathway. We achieved net zero emissions across Scope 1 (direct operations) and Scope 2 (purchased energy) in our first reporting period 2022 to 2023, marking an important milestone in our journey.

Our focus is now on driving meaningful reductions across Scope 3 emissions: working across our value chain, including travel, suppliers and procurement to ensure sustainability is embedded in how we operate day-to-day.

A whole-business commitment

Sustainability runs through every part of our firm:

  • How we work
  • Who we work with
  • How we procure, travel and operate

We actively monitor and reduce our environmental impact across energy, travel, waste and supplier activity through a structured, firmwide approach. This is overseen by our Responsible Business Committee, which brings together sustainability, social value and operational decision-making into a coordinated framework. Through this, we set priorities, track performance and implement targeted initiatives – such as reducing resource use, improving travel practices and strengthening engagement with our suppliers ensuring that sustainability considerations are embedded into our day-to-day operations and long-term strategy

Delivering credible, measurable progress

We:

  • Measure and verify our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually
  • Align our approach with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
  • Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • A structured environmental management approach consistent with ISO14001 principles

This ensures our commitments are credible, transparent and aligned with global best practice.

Beyond our own footprint

Our responsibility goes further than our own operations.

We take a two-fold approach:

  • Reducing our own environmental impact
  • Supporting clients in delivering sustainable infrastructure, projects and outcomes

Sustainability is integrated into our legal advice – helping our clients navigate the transition to a net zero economy with confidence.

Partnering for impact

We recognise that the greatest impact sits beyond our direct control.

That’s why we work closely with our suppliers and partners to:

  • Align environmental values
  • Improve transparency
  • Drive collective progress across the wider system

A responsible business by design

  • Sustainability and responsible business are central to who we are.
  • Because achieving net zero is not just a target – it is a responsibility we share with our clients, our partners and the communities we serve.

Our impact: Sustainability & Net Zero

At Sharpe Pritchard, our approach to sustainability reflects our wider commitment as a Certified B Corporation – balancing purpose and profit while delivering long-term value for clients, communities and the environment.

We have embedded sustainability into our governance, operations and client delivery, ensuring that environmental responsibility is measurable, accountable and central to decision-making.

Clear commitments, backed by data

We have committed to:

Commitment 1

Achieving net zero emissions by 2040

Commitment 2

Maintaining net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions

Commitment 3

Measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions across our value chain

Our emissions are measured annually and independently verified, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

Aligned with recognised frameworks

Our strategy is aligned with recognised international standards and initiatives, including:

  • Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • ISO 14001 environmental management standard, reinforcing a structured, systems-based approach to managing and improving environmental performance

This ensures our approach is consistent with the latest climate science and global expectations.

Environmental management & governance

Environmental performance is managed through a structured framework aligned with ISO 14001, supporting:

  • Clear policy and objectives
  • Regular monitoring and performance review
  • Continuous improvement of environmental outcomes
  • Integration of sustainability into operational decision-making

This ensures our carbon reduction activities are systematic, auditable and embedded across the firm.

As a B Corp, we recognise that our responsibilities extend beyond our own operations.

We:

  • Integrate sustainability into firmwide decision-making and governance
  • Engage our supply chain to support responsible and low-carbon practices
  • Promote sustainable behaviours across our workforce

Client impact and sector leadership

We use our legal expertise to support clients in delivering:

  • Low-carbon infrastructure
  • Sustainable public sector projects
  • Environmentally responsible procurement and policy

This enables us to contribute to system-wide change, not just internal improvements.

Long-term value creation

Our sustainability programme is designed to:

  • Reduce environmental impact
  • Strengthen resilience
  • Support client outcomes
  • Contribute positively to society

As part of our B Corp commitment, we continue to measure, improve and report on our impact – ensuring we remain accountable and forward-looking.

Our work within the firm

We are taking practical, measurable steps across our operations to reduce our environmental impact and embed sustainability into how we work. This includes initiatives such as reducing energy consumption through efficient office management, encouraging more sustainable travel choices, minimising waste and paper use, and strengthening how we engage with suppliers on environmental performance.

These activities are coordinated through our Responsible Business Committee, which ensures that priorities are set, progress is monitored, and actions are aligned with our wider strategy – embedding sustainability into day-to-day decision-making across the firm, to include but not limited to the following:

Reducing Paper and Resource Use

We have taken a structured approach to reducing paper consumption and resource use across the firm, including promoting digital-first working practices and reviewing printing behaviours. These changes have helped minimise waste while improving efficiency and reducing our day-to-day environmental footprint.

Sustainable Travel Approach

We are actively encouraging more sustainable travel choices, including reducing unnecessary travel, supporting remote collaboration and promoting lower-impact transport options where possible. This approach helps reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining high service standards for our clients.

Responsible Supplier Engagement

We are strengthening how we work with suppliers by incorporating sustainability considerations into procurement and ongoing engagement. This includes gathering environmental data and encouraging suppliers to align with our responsible business objectives, helping us address emissions and impacts across our wider value chain.

Governance and Accountability

These initiatives are coordinated through our Responsible Business Committee, which provides oversight, sets priorities and monitors progress. This ensures our approach is structured, measurable and aligned with our broader strategy, embedding sustainability into day-to-day decision-making across the firm.

Governance and Strategy

  • SBTi Validated Targets  – independently validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming they are aligned with a 1.5°C pathway and our long-term Net Zero ambitions.
  • ISO 14001 certification to strengthen our environmental management systems, with annual audits
  • Leadership oversight through our Senior Leadership Team and Responsible Business Committee
  • Ongoing annual review of our environmental policies and performance
  • B Corp certification to reinforce transparency and accountability

Engaging our supply chain and industry

  • Annual supplier audits to support carbon reduction across our supply chain
  • Hosting an annual Net Zero Supplier Summit and ongoing supplier and client engagement
  • Signatory to the Greener Litigation Pledge, reducing the environmental impact of our legal practice

Reducing our operational footprint

  • Fully electric office powered by renewable energy
  • Investment in video conferencing and remote working technology to reduce travel
  • Continued reduction in paper usage, supported by our PrintReleaf reforestation scheme
  • Responsible procurement, including electric deliveries and Fairtrade purchasing

Supporting sustainable ways of working

  • Cycle to work scheme and electric vehicle scheme for employees
  • Collaboration with our landlord and peer network to reduce building-level energy consumption
  • Waste reduction through recycling and donation initiatives

Read our carbon reports

View our Carbon Footprint Baseline Report

View our 2022-23 Carbon Footprint Report

View our 2023-24 Carbon Footprint Report

View our 2024-25 Carbon Footprint Report

 

Read our carbon reduction plans

View our Carbon Reduction Plan

View our Carbon Reduction Plan – Year One

View our Carbon Reduction Plan – Year Two

View our Carbon Reduction Plan – Year Three

Our work

Reducing our environmental impact is central to our ambitions and firmly embedded in our ethos. We are committed to achieving net zero and are proud that our current carbon footprint is already significantly below the national average — demonstrating that we are well on our way.

Our approach is two-fold. We are focused not only on minimising our own operational footprint, but also on supporting our clients through expert legal advice on environmental projects and infrastructure. We work closely with our clients to embed sustainability and environmental considerations into their day-to-day business operations.

We also actively engage with our supply chain, working collaboratively with our partners to ensure their environmental values and actions align with our own. This shared commitment is critical to driving meaningful and lasting change.

Net Zero Summit – October 2026

We will be hosting our next Net Zero Summit in October 2026, bringing together clients, partners and industry experts to share insights, best practice and practical solutions. Further details will be released soon.

If you are interested in attending our upcoming events or the Net Zero Summit, please contact Amanda Davis at adavis@sharpepritchard.co.uk. Updates will also be shared via our social media channels.

Our work for clients

Green Goals was setup to highlight the legal support we can offer to clients in incorporating green goals in business-as-usual work as well as green infrastructure projects. Part of this project is to demystify the net zero and environmental language alongside the government’s aims and expectations. We’re proud to help our clients have a positive impact, drawing on our deep expertise to assess potential opportunities.

Steve Gummer, Partner was named Environment/Sustainability Champion of the Year on 26 March 2025 at the Legal 500 ESG Awards.  This prestigious win reflects both Steve’s incredible leadership and the support, effort and dedication of the wider team.

Read more Read our Green Steves articles

Our work within our firm

We embed responsible business and environmental management into our operations through a structured, measurable, and continuously improving framework. Our approach aligns with ISO 14001, our Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated targets, and our commitments as a certified B Corporation, ensuring accountability, transparency, and meaningful impact.

Our environmental strategy is underpinned by ISO 14001, guided by science-based targets, and independently verified through our B Corp certification – ensuring a structured, transparent, and impact-driven approach to sustainability.

  • Science-based climate action (SBTi aligned)
    Our carbon reduction targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), covering near-term, long-term and Net Zero ambitions. These guide our strategy and ensure our emissions reductions are aligned with climate science, with progress regularly monitored and reported.
  • ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System
    Our ISO 14001 certification provides a formal framework for identifying, managing and reducing environmental impacts. This structured system supports delivery of our SBTi targets through ongoing monitoring, internal audits, and annual recertification.
  • B Corp certification – accountability and impact
    As a certified B Corporation, we meet high standards of environmental and social performance, governance and transparency. Our environmental initiatives are embedded across our wider responsible business strategy, ensuring continuous measurement and improvement.
  • Low-carbon operations and energy management
    We operate from a fully electric building powered by renewable energy, maintaining zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Energy consumption is actively managed in line with our ISO framework and SBTi commitments.
  • Reducing emissions through smarter ways of working
    Investment in digital collaboration and video conferencing supports flexible working and reduces the need for travel, contributing to delivery of our science-based carbon reduction targets.
  • Responsible supply chain engagement
    We undertake annual supplier reviews to encourage alignment with our environmental and ethical standards, supporting reduced Scope 3 emissions in line with SBTi expectations and B Corp principles.
  • Governance, oversight and delivery
    Our Senior Leadership Team drives progress against our environmental strategy, supported by our Responsible Business Committee, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. View our environmental organisational chart
  • Policy-led continuous improvement
    Our environmental policy is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with ISO 14001, SBTi commitments and evolving best practice.
  • Driving wider impact through collaboration
    We host an annual Net Zero Summit to share best practice and encourage innovation across clients and the wider professional services sector.
  • Greener Litigation commitment
    As a signatory to the Greener Litigation Pledge, we take active steps to minimise the environmental impact of our legal services.
  • Resource efficiency and circular practices
    Our paper reduction programme is supported by PrintReleaf, contributing to global reforestation aligned with key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Sustainable procurement
    We prioritise responsible sourcing, including electric delivery services and Fairtrade products where possible.
  • Supporting sustainable travel
    We encourage low-carbon commuting through cycle-to-work and electric vehicle schemes.
  • Waste reduction and environmental performance tracking
    We minimise waste through reuse and recycling, with performance measured and reported annually as part of our ISO framework.

To find our how we can help you, please contact us today