Hogan Lovells joins newly launched Net Zero Lawyers Alliance

Hogan Lovells joins newly launched Net Zero Lawyers Alliance

Press releases | 30 June 2021

London, 30 June 2021 – Hogan Lovells has joined the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA), a network committed to accelerating transition to net zero emissions by 2050, newly launched to coincide with London Climate Action Week.

Members support the goal of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) by 2050, and commit to reduce operational emissions by at least 50% by 2030 using Science Based Targets, and will support their clients to do the same. 

As well as committing to their own climate change targets, members of the NZLA commit to provide training to member firm lawyers to provide an understanding of climate change issues.  NZLA will support this by providing guidance in consultation with an advisory group of senior in-house counsel, academics, legal industry associations, and NGOs.

The NZLA’s launch coincides with London Climate Action Week (LCAW) from 26 June to 4 July, an annual event bringing together world-leading climate professionals and communities across London and beyond to find practical solutions to climate change. LCAW is the largest independent climate change event in Europe. 

The NZLA’s current projects include:

  • The Multilateral Development Banks and Funds ‘Follow the Deal’ Project with the Green Climate Fund and multi lateral development banks for presentation at COP 26;
  • The Net Zero Legislative Project proposal working with the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL);
  • The Energy Charter Treaty Modernisation Project, a research project carried out in partnership with Climate Consultants in Sweden.
Hogan Lovells Infrastructure, Energy, Resources & Projects partner, Philip Brown, commented: “We are delighted to become founder members of the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, which recognises the critical role of law firms not only to act on their own carbon emissions but also to support businesses moving to sustainable operations, and to drive awareness behind achieving transition and decarbonisation in order to meet Net Zero goals.” 

Susan Bright, Global Managing Partner for Diversity & Inclusion and Responsible Business, said: “Our membership of NZLA further demonstrates our commitment to playing a leadership role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth, including in the way we run our own business.”

Hogan Lovells’ existing commitments to operate sustainably includes being a signatory to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and Race to Zero, which requires the firm to develop and implement Science Based Targets to reduce its carbon emissions. The commitments are backed by adherence to the robust CDP reporting framework. The firm is also a founding member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance.
 

The firm recently launched the next stage of its global sustainability plan, integrating sustainability into all aspects of our business. As well as developing its net zero strategy, the firm has updated its travel, energy and real estate policies, focusing on reducing its carbon impact, and achieving use of 100% renewable energy.  

Hogan Lovells has become a NZLA founding member firm alongside Arthur Cox, Baker McKenzie, Bates Wells, Burges Salmon, Castrén & Snellman, Clifford Chance, Clyde & Co, DLA Piper, Draper & Draper, Eversheds Sutherland, Herbert Smith Freehills, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. & Quiroga, Mishcon de Reya, Pinsent Masons, Pollination Group, Reed Smith, Shearman & Sterling and Slaughter and May.