Taking climate action

Committing to an ambitious science-based goal

Allens has a long-held commitment to reducing our impacts on the environment. In August 2022, we took a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts by setting a science-based target to reduce our firmwide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by FY2030 from a FY2019 baseline.

Our near term target, independently assessed and approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), means we now have a target for reducing emissions in line with climate science and contributing to the global challenge of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

At the time of the target's approval, Allens became the first Australian-based law firm, and one of just 28 Australian businesses, to have a near-term science-based target approved.

'We have been measuring and taking action to reduce and offset the firm's greenhouse gas emissions for many years. Committing to a science-based target demonstrates best practice and enables us to understand and focus on the important emissions reduction work that is needed now, and over the next five to ten years,' said Sustainability Manager Emma Fitzgerald.

Chair of Allens' Sustainability Committee, Tim Stewart, said the SBTi approval marked a significant and exciting new phase of our ongoing climate action efforts.

'This milestone builds on the firm's ongoing commitment to maintain Climate Active certification for our Australian offices,' he said.

To achieve our target, our areas of focus will include promoting energy efficiency in our operations, transitioning to 100% GreenPower accredited electricity for our tenancy electricity (where possible) and continuing to support hybrid working practices and invest in virtual conferencing technology.

Progress is already underway, and key measures taken over the past 12 months include sourcing GreenPower accredited electricity for our offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and integrating sustainability features in the design of our new Perth office. 

Read more about our near term science-based target and Climate Active certification.