Based in Liverpool, law firm Brabners is the  first UK law firm outside of London to join Business Declares, part of the UN’s Race to Zero campaign. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool law firm Brabners has become an official member of the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign.

Announcing its decision on ‘Earth Day’, the firm said it had become a member of Business Declares – a not-for-profit collective comprising businesses committed to addressing the climate emergency.

In becoming the first UK law firm outside of London to join Business Declares, Brabners is to build on its carbon-neutral status while officially declaring a climate emergency. The firm employs more than 400 people in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston

Business Declares, which is backed by organisations including The Body Shop, Unilever and The Eden Project, is an official partner of the UN’s global Race to Zero campaign being delivered ahead of COP26 – the UN’s annual climate change conference which will take place in Glasgow this November.

Brabners became carbon neutral for the first time in 2020 and currently offsets any emissions it generates in partnership with woodland creation and carbon capture specialist Forest Carbon.

Led by the firm’s Sustainability Environmental Green Group (SEGG), it continues to make carbon reductions across its operations – including using 100% renewable energy and reviewing its travel and real estate strategies to improve environmental performance.

The commitments form part of Brabners’ wider sustainability strategy, which closely aligns with international goals set out by the UN. These include reducing poverty through its charitable arm, the Brabners Foundation; ensuring all suppliers pay the real living wage; and supporting local communities through its employer-backed volunteer scheme.

Robert White, chief executive and member of SEGG, said: “In joining Business Declares and the UN’s Race to Zero campaign, we formally recognise that urgent action is needed to address the global climate emergency.

“While the pandemic has given us an opportunity to reduce our environmental impact temporarily, we know we need to do more to bring about long-term positive change to protect the environment.

“Through SEGG, we intend to make Brabners’ a more sustainable business each and every day – not just in terms of climate change but in addressing all areas of environmental, social, and corporate governance. 

“Our plan, which will be subject to regular review, will involve working with our clients, engaging with local initiatives and regional projects as well as empowering our colleagues to choose sustainable options both at work and at home to create a better future for all.”