Eversheds Sutherland Announces Net-Zero Targets Validated by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

As part of its near-term targets, the US business of Eversheds Sutherland 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 timeframe.

For its long-term targets, Eversheds Sutherland 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.

Eversheds Sutherland’s 2040 target year establishes it as having the most ambitious approved science-based net-zero target in the US among law firms.

Direct emissions reductions (decarbonization) will be prioritized and all residual emissions will be neutralized (if applicable) in line with SBTi criteria before reaching net-zero emissions.

“This important step furthers our commitment to sustainability across our US business operations and to continuously improving our environmental performance,” said Tom Warren, Eversheds Sutherland Co-Head of Global Energy and US Sustainability Partner. “These validated targets will help keep our firm focused on demonstrating transparency, accountability and corporate leadership in environmental sustainability.”

“Our firm’s participation in the SBTi is part of our broader commitment to be a leader among law firms in enhancing the sustainability of the practice of law,” said Aileen Crowson, Chief Responsible Business and Pro Bono Practice Officer.

About Eversheds Sutherland 
As a global top 10 law practice, Eversheds Sutherland provides legal services to a global client base ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to the largest multinationals, acting for 77 of the Fortune 100, 68 of the FTSE 100 and 129 of the Fortune 200.

With more than 3,000 lawyers, Eversheds Sutherland operates in over 70 offices in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. In addition, a network of more than 200 related law firms, including formalized alliances in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa, provide support around the globe.

Eversheds Sutherland provides the full range of legal services, including corporate and M&A; dispute resolution and litigation; energy and infrastructure; finance; human capital and labor law; intellectual property; real estate and construction; and tax. 

Eversheds Sutherland is a global legal practice and comprises two separate legal entities: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (headquartered in the UK) and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (headquartered in the US), and their respective controlled, managed, affiliated and member firms. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland is for description purposes only and does not imply that the member firms or their controlled, managed or affiliated entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. For more information, visit eversheds-sutherland.com.

About SBTi
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. SBTi develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest.