June was an exceptionally busy month for LSA member firms, with dozens of events running throughout London Climate Action Week, as well as awards won across the board; further proof of the vital role legal professionals play in shaping a more sustainable future.
The urgency was reinforced by UN Secretary General António Guterres, who said in his keynote address at the LCAW State of Climate Politics Forum, “every fraction of a degree matters” and outlined the task before us “to strictly limit the overshoot, shorten its duration and bring temperatures down below 1.5°C as fast as possible”. This message was reinforced by the heatwave laying bare the vulnerabilities of our transport, health, IT infrastructure and education systems to the impacts of an ever-warming climate.
So, what should and could lawyers and law firms do? The call for action was neatly laid out in the National Emergency Briefing for Law. Supported by the LSA and many legal networks, this landmark LCAW event for the legal sector brought together seven expert speakers to outline the risk that climate change and ecosystem breakdown present to infrastructure, energy supply, finance, food systems, national security and the rule of law, and highlight some tangible practical solutions. Now is the time for a new national climate conversation for law, and we call on all LSA member firms to take part. Download and share the film here and encourage all your colleagues to watch it. Why not go further and host a screening and discussion in your firm?
We know that LSA members are working on sustainability all year round, not just for London Climate Action Week, which is why we have launched the LSA Climate Heroes campaign. This is their time for recognition – please nominate a colleague so we can celebrate their hard work. Find out more below.
This bulletin is packed with news and information – and thanks to all LSA members who continue to contribute and engage. Your views help to shape the sustainability landscape. Please also see below for information on how to comment on the new ISO standards.
As we head into a short break, I hope you have a restful and peaceful summer – we will be back in September with an exciting line-up of events and activities.
Best wishes,
Amanda Carpenter
LSA Secretariat
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The National Emergency Briefing for Law Film Release |
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The Legal Sustainability Alliance was proud to support a landmark London Climate Action Week briefing exploring an increasingly urgent question: How will the climate and nature crisis affect lawyers and how can the legal profession put climate and nature at the heart of decision-making?
Bringing together legal professionals, climate scientists, policymakers and sustainability leaders, the event highlighted the growing consensus that climate change is no longer a distant or hypothetical challenge. Instead, it is a material risk that is already shaping business, infrastructure, investment, regulation and public policy. Below are some of the key insights shared by our speakers during the event and the film featuring abridged versions of the briefing. |
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"For the law, the message is clear: the climate emergency is no longer distant or hypothetical. It is foreseeable, measurable, and already causing harm. That means it must be treated as a material risk in planning, regulation, investment, insurance, infrastructure, and public duty. The law has a vital role in ensuring institutions act on the evidence, protect people from escalating risks, and do not lock society into further harm."
Professor Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change,
Newcastle University -------- "If you care about the rule of law, and if your work can help build a nation able to withstand shocks from climate, hostile activity or even polarising politics, then I would ask you to be courageous and lead, in whatever way you can."
Lt General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, Retired Army Officer -------- "Markets will not price climate risk voluntarily. The rules of the game therefore need to shift and responsibility moves elsewhere: to policymakers, to regulators and to the law. There are clear legal levers: reframing fiduciary duty – long-term systemic risk is financial risk; make externalities contractual – embed climate into financial agreements; raise the bar on disclosure – weak reporting is a liability, not a formality. Climate disclosure is only useful if it reveals risk, not if it disguises it.
The law helped shape the incentives that built today’s economy. It can help shape the incentives that protect tomorrow’s."
Ido Eisenberg, Head of Responsible Investment, Quilter -------- "The economy is not separate from nature. Protecting and restoring it is not sentimental. It is about caring for our only home and for our family; it is sound fiscal and security policy, and it is sound legal governance."
Professor Nathalie Seddon, Founding Director,
Nature-based Solutions Initiative and The Agile Initiative, University of Oxford -------- An estimated third of 2023's food price inflation came from extreme weather. When families can't feed their children, societies start to break down. And yet our food policy barely acknowledges this. The good news is that the science is clear, and it's healthier for us. We need a Great Food Transformation: plant-rich diets, less food waste, better production, and more resilience."
Professor Paul Behrens, British Academy Global Professor, University of Oxford
The event was expertly chaired by Lord Sales and featured contributions from Kirsty Brimelow KC, Andrew Masraf, Professor Paul Behrens, Tessa Khan, Professor Nathalie Seddon, Professor Tim Lenton OBE, Ido Eisenberg, Lt General Richard Nugee CB, CVO, CBE and Professor Hayley Fowler. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Amanda Carpenter and Zoe Leventhal KC for organising the event, and to Michael Watson and Pinsent Masons for generously hosting it. Thanks also to the team at the original National Emergency Briefing for MPs, and to Kingsley Napley for their support.
Thanks also to: the Bar Council of England and Wales, UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA), Bar Sustainability Network, Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA), Legal Charter 1.5, Property Bar Association, Legal Sustainability Alliance, Chancery Bar Association, and the Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA).
The event was hugely oversubscribed, demonstrating the growing appetite across the legal profession to engage with the climate and nature emergency. We hope this marks the beginning of many more sector-specific conversations that help translate climate science into practical action. A film featuring condensed versions of the expert briefings is available below. |
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London Climate Action Week Round-Up
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London Climate Action Week once again demonstrated the important role the legal profession is playing in advancing climate action. Throughout the week, LSA members and partners hosted discussions on climate governance, advised emissions, biodiversity, climate literacy and the role of lawyers in supporting the transition to a sustainable economy.
The LSA was proud to support the National Emergency Briefing for Law on the Climate and Nature Crisis which brought together more than 100 judges, KCs, barristers and senior lawyers to hear from seven world-leading experts on the risks of the climate and nature crisis and the legal profession's role in responding.
Other highlights included the Advised Emissions Workshop at DWF, organised by Legal Charter 1.5, Climate Governance Through a Legal Lens, delivered in partnership by Legal Charter 1.5 and Chapter Zero and hosted by Dentons, and the Climate Trunk exhibition at Ashurst, showcasing John Lang's visual guides to climate science, the energy transition and the path to net zero.
A huge thank you to all our members and partners who organised, hosted and participated in events throughout the week, helping to advance important conversations across the legal profession. |
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LSA Climate Heroes
Nominations are open! |
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The Legal Sustainability Alliance is delighted to introduce LSA Climate Heroes – a recognition scheme celebrating the lawyers and legal professionals who are going above and beyond to drive sustainability and climate-conscious thinking in their practice, in their workplace or within their communities. The campaign aims to spotlight individuals whose actions, leadership, and influence are helping create meaningful environmental impact across the profession. They can hail from any corner of your firm. LSA Climate Heroes will be invited to share their story in an interview with the LSA; exploring their work, what inspires them and their hopes and fears for the future. They will join the LSA Climate Hero Hall of Fame, receive an LSA Climate Hero coffee mug, and receive a prize to share with their team. Nominations close on 1 August.
A panel of experts will review the nominations and we will announce 2026’s LSA Climate Heroes in September. |
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Public Consultation on ISO 14060 |
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The public consultation on ISO 14060, the draft international standard for net zero-aligned organisations, has been launched and is now open until 17 August. It presents an important opportunity for the legal profession to help shape a framework that is likely to influence corporate governance, strategy, risk management and climate-related disclosures for years to come.
This standard builds on the ISO Net zero guidelines (IWA 42:2022) and minimum criteria that Oxford Net Zero helped to research and convene. It has since gone through a two-year international consultation with hundreds of delegates from across sectors and over 100 countries represented. Alexis McGivern, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and a Research Fellow at Oxford Net Zero, has offered to host a law-specific briefing session to assist firms across our network to engage and respond to the consultation. Please sign up here or via the events section below.
As advisers to businesses, investors and public bodies, lawyers have a vital role in ensuring that the standard is practical, robust and supporting credible net zero transitions while minimising the risks of greenwashing and legal uncertainty.
Contributing to the consultation enables legal professionals to bring their expertise on governance, accountability, regulatory compliance and fiduciary duties into the development of a globally recognised standard, helping to ensure it reflects both legal realities and the urgency of the climate transition. |
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Update on Rights of Nature
From Theory to Practice: Advancing Rights of Nature in Law, Policy and Governance |
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In early June practitioners, policymakers, financiers, and advocates gathered at the London offices of Simmons & Simmons for an evening that marked a shift in the Rights of Nature conversation in the UK – from aspiration to action. This event brought together the two workstreams, Rights of Nature in Law and Policy, and Nature Finance and Risk, which were set up following the successful Rights of Nature Symposium convened by Achill Legal for London Climate Action Week in 2025. The workstreams sought to build on that Symposium and the report by developing a theory of change. Thanks to Rowan Watson for this blog covering the latest developments. |
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Carbon Calculator: 2026 Emission Factors |
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The LSA Carbon Calculator, free for all members, has been updated to reflect the latest UK Government carbon emission factors (June 2026: Version 1.0). These factors, published annually by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, ensure greenhouse gas (GHG) calculations remain accurate and aligned with the most up-to-date national data and methodologies. In some cases, updates to underlying data and methods can lead to significant changes in emission factors for specific activities. - Purchased electricity – revised methodology. A revised approach better reflects the evolving UK electricity generation mix, with a growing share of renewables. As a result, the carbon emission factor for electricity has decreased by just over 25% (0.13096 kgCO₂e/kWh in 2026 compared with 0.177 kgCO₂e/kWh in 2025). This change will also affect emissions calculations linked to: goods and services with electricity inputs, electric and hybrid vehicles (including rail), and working from home.
- Rail travel – improved data. Updated datasets replace pre-COVID assumptions and better reflect current rail efficiencies and the ongoing decarbonisation of the electricity grid.
- Application of 2026 factors. In line with UK Government guidance, the 2026 emission factors will be applied based on reporting periods where the majority of months fall in 2026.
For example: |
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Business Travel Working Group Updates |
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After many years of dedicated service, Alan Sweeting has announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Business Travel Working Group. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Alan for his leadership, dedication, and longstanding commitment to both the Working Group and the wider LSA network. Throughout his time as Chair, Alan has been a passionate advocate for sustainability and climate action, helping to drive discussions and initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of business travel across the legal sector. His commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing best practice, and supporting firms on their sustainability journeys has made a lasting contribution to the LSA community. We are grateful for Alan's significant efforts and wish him all the best for the future. If you are interested in chairing the Working Group and would like to learn more about the role, please contact Asia on manager@legalsustainabilityalliance.com.----- Are you interested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel? The working group and other member firms are looking at how the profession can develop a joined up approach to SAF and want to develop further work on this. If you are interested in being part of this group please contact Amanda directly on director@achill-legal.com. |
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Shape Sustainability Training for Lawyers
Call for Contributors |
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Do you advise on energy transition matters? This is an opportunity to help shape a new training platform that will support legal professionals across the sector.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and Legal Charter 1.5 are developing a new Sustainability Training Platform for Legal Professionals – created by legal professionals, for legal professionals. The aim is to provide practical, accessible training that helps lawyers deliver transition-aligned advice and navigate the challenges and opportunities of the net-zero transition.
The project team is currently looking for lawyers with energy transition expertise to contribute to a new series of sector deep dives, translating complex issues into practical legal guidance for both private practice and in-house teams.
Contributors will help shape the content through a short scoping session and participate in recordings once the structure has been agreed.
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Ask the Alliance – Network Support |
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During June, we have had four new queries for LSA members. Send your thoughts and guidance to manager@legalsustainabilityalliance.com and we will pass it on, or where appropriate, connect you. On behalf of the LSA, we would like to thank all those who have generously given their time to help colleagues since our last bulletin. ------------- Has your organisation implemented a carbon budget, carbon levy, or similar initiative to reduce emissions from business travel? We are looking for examples of both successful and unsuccessful approaches, including evidence of impact, implementation challenges, and reasons why initiatives were continued, modified, or discontinued. We are particularly interested in understanding the long-term impact of these measures. Have they led to measurable behaviour change and emissions reductions? If not, what barriers prevented them from succeeding? ------------- I’d like to reach out to the network with a question regarding CFD reporting. We’re projected to meet the turnover threshold for CFD reporting in FY27, and are beginning our search for consultants to help us navigate this process. Our initial focus will be on conducting a qualitative climate scenario analysis with CFD-aligned reporting, followed by a more in-depth quantitative assessment further down the line.
It would be incredibly helpful if anyone could share recommendations or experiences with consultants they’ve successfully partnered with for similar work. Any insights would make a real difference as we look to ensure we’re aligned and well-prepared. ------------- Has your organisation recently undertaken ISO 14001 certification? A member firm is seeking insights into what the process involves in practice and would welcome the opportunity to speak with organisations that have experience implementing ISO 14001. ------------- Could any LSA members offer recommendations for Travel Management Companies ( TMCs) they are using? ------------- Please don't hesitate to send in your questions, with the option of remaining anonymous, for the network to manager@legalsustainabilityalliance.com. |
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| | Winston Taylor, formed from LSA Executive Member firm Taylor Wessing's UK-led business and U.S. firm Winston & Strawn, have announced their launch as a premier transatlantic law firm. They are committed to sustainability: on track to net zero, investing in climate action, and using legal expertise to support those advancing the climate transition. |
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| | Congratulations to all LSA member firms shortlisted at this year's Legal Business Awards. We are delighted to see so many members recognised for their achievements and leadership across the legal sector. Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to driving positive change. |
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Shaping the Future – How the Legal Sector Can Respond to the ISO Consultation |
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Date: 13 July Time: 2-2:45 pm The online public consultation on ISO 14060, the draft international standard for net zero-aligned organisations, is open until 17 August. Join Alexis McGivern, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Research Fellow at Oxford Net Zero, and Amanda Carpenter for an online briefing to learn more about the consultation and how your firm can contribute. |
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Reporting Standards Masterclass
plus update on SBTi framework |
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Date: 21 September Time: 12-1 pm Join us for this LSA Reporting Standards Masterclass with Alexis McGivern, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Research Fellow at Oxford Net Zero. Drawing on her work translating academic research into practical guidance for organisations, Alexis will provide a clear overview of the leading climate reporting standards and update us on the current consultations. The session also offers a high-level update on serviced emissions, and will be a chance for LSA members to learn more about the Oxford Serviced Emissions Hub and the work being undertaken by Legal Charter 1.5, who are developing the case, and a high level methodology, for reporting serviced emissions in the legal sector. |
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Sustainability Dates for Your Diary |
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Plastic Free July – July
Plastic Free July is a global movement helping millions of people reduce single-use plastic waste. The campaign encourages organisations and individuals to make small but impactful changes that contribute to cleaner communities, healthier ecosystems, and more sustainable consumption habits.
Net Zero Week – 4–10 July 2026
Net Zero Week is the UK's official national awareness week dedicated to accelerating the transition to net zero. The campaign brings together businesses, policymakers and sustainability professionals through conferences, events and discussions focused on decarbonisation, clean energy and climate action across all sectors.
World Nature Conservation Day – 28 July 2026
A day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources and biodiversity.
International Youth Day – 12 August 2026
Led by the United Nations, International Youth Day recognises the role of young people in driving social progress and sustainable development. The day often highlights youth engagement in climate action, innovation, and building more inclusive and sustainable societies.
National Water Quality Month – August
An opportunity to consider water use, pollution prevention and responsible resource management within organisations and supply chains.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 16 September 2026
This UN observance marks the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987 to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Widely regarded as one of the world's most successful environmental agreements, it demonstrates how international cooperation and science-based policy can deliver lasting environmental progress.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction – 29 September 2026
Led by the United Nations, this international day highlights the environmental, social and economic impacts of food loss and waste. It encourages organisations and individuals to adopt more sustainable consumption practices and reduce waste across supply chains. |
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Wednesdays mark the release of a new Climate Trunk infographic, a weekly instalment to inform and inspire your colleagues and help you embed sustainability throughout your firm. Please see this month's Climate Trunk infographics below.
If you are interested in hosting an exhibition of infographics at your firm for minimal cost, please contact us. |
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Please encourage everyone in your firm to sign up for this bulletin here. |
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