Shoosmiths

Please tell us how you will champion this pledge and let us know if there is any support you need to assist you in this role:
Escalate the pace of change. Share and learn from best practice on the route to net zero Collaboration with our stakeholders including clients, suppliers, other organisations I would like to discuss with the co-ordinator potential opportunities.

In one sentence, what is your ambition for your Net Zero Business Pledge: Shoosmiths aims to become net zero by 2040 with near-term and long-term science based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Please tell us why you have made the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge: The pledge is aligned with our net zero strategy and commitments. By being part of initiatives such as these we hope to both learn from other pledge signatories and to share best practice.

Please provide a summary of the net zero initiatives that you have implemented: • We produce annual energy and carbon reports within our annual Directors’ Reports in line with the Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations. We publish annual Carbon Reduction Plans aligned with PPN06/21 and also include carbon footprint data and progress against targets in our annual ESG and Impact Reports. We have undertaken energy efficiency audits in 2023 in line with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations with declarations to be made to the Environment Agency by 5 June 2024 compliance deadline. •Our latest published 2022/2023 carbon footprint data showed 16% reductions achieved 2022/2023 versus 2021/2022 for both total scope 1, scope 2 (location-based), scope 3 emissions and total scope 1, scope 2 (market-based), scope 3 emissions. We have forecast we are on track to meet our targets. In 2022/2023 93% of electricity usage came from renewable energy contracts. In addition, the two Shoosmiths locations using gas had 100% of gas usage covered by a 100% biomethane gas contract. Measuring scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions datat includes reporting both scope 2 market-based and location-based electricity related emissions, and within scope 3 reporting on emissions associated with our purchased goods and services, capital goods, waste (including water), commute to work, home working and hotel stays. • • Flexible working based on output not occupancy ethos. • We operate a sustainable travel policy which includes an internal carbon levy charged against all business flights. Relevant Website links: https://www.shoosmiths.com/our-responsibility/corporate-responsibility https://www.shoosmiths.com/insights/research-reports/investing-in-tomorrow-esg-report https://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/expertise/sectors/energy-and-infrastructure https://www.shoosmiths.com/expertise/resources/esg-360

Please provide details of the results associated with the net zero initiatives that you have implemented: 2022/2023 Carbon Reduction Plan provides details of progress and plans and can be viewed at: https://www.shoosmiths.com/-/media/download-documents/cr-policies/shoosmiths-carbon-reduction-plan-2022-2023.pdf . Our 2022/2023 achievements which can be viewed at: https://www.shoosmiths.com/insights/news/shoosmiths-makes-strides-towards-environmental-goals-with-validated-targets-and-carbon-reduction

Please tell us about any future net zero initiatives that you plan to implement: • Continue to review opportunities to reduce carbon emissions associated with our operations. • Achieve and maintain 100% renewable energy for electricity and gas. • Continue to engage with our supply chain encouraging the measurement and reporting of emissions associated with our business and the setting of science-based emissions reduction targets that lead to reductions in suppliers’ scopes 1 and 2 emissions. • Raising awareness and upskilling our staff to demonstrate the opportunities associated with progressing our net zero aspirations.

Please tell us about any net zero related accreditations or awards you have received: 2023: Recommended firm in the Legal 500 UK Green Guide, 2022: Recommended firm in the Legal 500 UK Green Guide 2022: Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Planet Saver Award. 2021: Belfast Chamber Business Awards Green Champion Award.