Climate Change Data

Arthur Cox LLP

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020-2021)

Reporting Period: 2020-2021

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:5858 tCO2e (2018-2020)
Renewable Energy Share:100% renewable electricity

ESG Focus Areas

  • Community
  • Workplace
  • Marketplace
  • Environment

Environmental Achievements

  • Achieved carbon neutrality in operations since 2018 by offsetting emissions.
  • Reduced electricity consumption by 32% and gas consumption by 35% in 2020 compared to 2018 baseline.
  • Achieved a 93% average recycle rate in 2021.
  • Reduced water usage by 30% in 2019 compared to previous premises.

Social Achievements

  • Extended charity partnerships until the end of 2022.
  • Raised €650,000 for the Zambia Project.
  • Organized 16 virtual volunteering opportunities.
  • Exceeded pro bono target of 20 hours per lawyer, achieving 26 hours.
  • Implemented the Parenting Buddy Programme.
  • Launched EMBRACE, a Race and Ethnicity Network.
  • Donated 306 computers to DEIS schools.

Governance Achievements

  • Established a Sustainable Business Committee overseeing the program.
  • Published gender diversity strategy with targets for women partners (the only Irish law firm to do so).

Climate Goals & Targets

Medium-term Goals:
  • Achieve carbon negativity by 2025 (offsetting double the amount of carbon emitted).
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 50% from 2018 levels by 2025.
  • Retain ISO 50001:2018 certification.

Environmental Challenges

  • Impact of the pandemic on charity sector and fundraising activities.
  • Need to continue providing volunteering opportunities during remote working.
  • Need to improve measurement of volunteering time and impact.
  • Need to refine sustainable procurement policies and procedures.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Extended charity partnerships for an additional year.
  • Organized virtual volunteering opportunities.
  • Implemented a firm-wide wellness initiative (Fit4Feb Challenge).
  • Actively engaged with suppliers to explore improved sustainable ways of working.
  • Conducting a vendor management review with sustainability as a key consideration.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Considering environmental credentials in supplier selection.
  • Working with suppliers to improve sustainable practices.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 4: Quality Education
  • Goal 5: Gender Equality
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Goal 13: Climate Action
  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The report details how various initiatives contribute to these goals.

Awards & Recognition

  • Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Contributions
  • TrustLaw Domestic Law Firm of the Year