Resources
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through policies and action.
As a leading law firm, we recognise the far-reaching influence our work can have on the environment. We continue to integrate sustainability into the way we advise clients and how we manage our operations, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to protecting the planet.
We are dedicated to taking meaningful steps towards reducing our overall carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices across our operations and those of our suppliers. To support this and to hold us accountable, we utilise the Normative carbon footprint platform, which enables us to centralise and manage all our emissions data in one place, providing a clear and comprehensive view of our environmental impact.
Our sustainability team has developed a carbon glossary to provide a clearer understanding of key environmental sustainability terms. Click here to explore the glossary.
Our net zero commitment
An integral part of our responsible business strategy is our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Our near-term targets have been developed in line with the guidance of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), including a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base year, and Scope 3 emissions by 42% within the same timeframe.
We have formally signed the SBTi commitment letter and are currently working towards setting updated near-term and long-term science-based targets for validation. This reflects our ongoing commitment to aligning our climate strategy with best practice and ensuring our emissions reduction pathway remains both credible and impactful.
Current progress
Sustainable procurement
We want to ensure those we work with share our commitment to sustainable practices and so environmental impact forms an essential component of all our supplier contracts. This ensures that our entire supply chain aligns with our own sustainability objectives. We annually issue suppliers with an engagement survey to better understand their current actions and targets, and to encourage stronger environmental performance and transparency.
Sustainable travel
We encourage sustainable commuting and business travel through our Sustainable Travel Policy. This is reviewed annually and we have recently invested in a new travel management platform to measure and report on activity. Annual commuting surveys give colleagues the opportunity to help us shape policy, and we support sustainable behaviour with initiatives including our cycle to work scheme and discounted season tickets for rail travel.
Waste management
We are committed to minimising waste generation through comprehensive waste management practices, prioritising reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal.
We have provided clearer guidance for staff, improving segregation and driving an increase in recycling rates. As a result of these efforts, we have successfully achieved a zero-waste-to-landfill status.
Employee engagement
We foster a culture of environmental responsibility by encouraging active engagement across the firm. Through training, education, awareness programmes and the support of our BeSustainable employee network, we empower colleagues to make sustainable choices both inside and outside of the workplace.
Regulatory compliance
We align our environmental reporting and compliance practices with key regulatory frameworks, including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), ensuring transparency in our energy use and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
Sustainable buildings
We have located our offices in environmentally conscious spaces with strong green energy credentials, prioritising energy efficiency. The base build for both our Aberdeen and Glasgow office is BREEAM-certified (excellent rating).
Power through partnerships
To help us on our journey, we have partnered with a number of leading organisations and initiatives dedicated to making our world a better place.
Legal Sustainability Alliance
We are a member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance. The LSA is a collaborative network providing advice, information and resources to the legal sector as it transitions to net zero. In 2023, we joined the Legal Renewables Initiative, launched by the Legal Sustainability Alliance, with a commitment to using 100% certified renewable energy in our offices by 2025.
Campaign for Greener Arbitrations
Our partners who act as arbitrators are signatories to the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of international arbitrations. A fundamental objective of this group was the establishment of a Framework and set of Protocols to promote better environmental behaviour through a series of action items. The Protocols serve as practical guidance for implementing the tenets of the Guiding Principles.
Greener Litigation Pledge
We are also the first Scottish law firm to sign up to the Greener Litigation Pledge, committing us to ensure that we minimise the environmental impact when resolving disputes. Greener Litigation’s principal objective is to support the courts and court users in becoming carbon neutral (and ultimately carbon negative) and to encourage lasting change in litigation practice.
Terra Carta
We are very proud to be a signatory to the Terra Carta which provides a roadmap to 2030 for businesses to move towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of nature combined with the transformative power, innovation and resources of the private sector.
Scotland: The Big Picture
We are committed to providing pro-bono support to a number of initiatives where we can make a difference.
SCOTLAND: The Big Picture are a charity working to restore Scotland’s landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and deliver economic benefits to rural communities. As ‘Rewilding Business Partner’, we provide pro bono legal advice to support the charity’s Northwoods Rewilding Network, a pioneering initiative connecting a growing community of farmers, crofters, community groups and other landowners who currently steward over 25,000 acres of land across Scotland.
Get in touch
Garima Singh
Sustainability Manager
Responsible Business
Garima is the firm’s Sustainability Manager, responsible for overseeing and delivering sustainability initiatives across the business.
Some of our latest initiatives
Responsible Business Report 2025: Charting progress and positive change
12/03/2026
Read our annual responsible business report, setting out some of our highlights, areas of progress and areas where we look to improve.
Responsible Business Report 2024: An update on our ESG journey
21/02/2025
Our annual Responsible Business Report details our progress, offering transparency and accountability around our actions and setting out some of the highlights since our last report.
Burness Paull supports SCOTLAND: The Big Picture as Rewilding Business Partner
09/10/2024
Burness Paull announces new partnership with rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.
Sustainable Development Goals Roadshow 2024: The power of partnerships
25/09/2024
Key takeaways from the UN Global Compact's SDG Roadshow.
Burness Paull’s head of ESG recognised as “Power Player”
28/06/2024
Steven Stewart has been listed amongst the top legal advisers in providing innovative ESG advice.
Burness Paull steps into 2024 with Wellness Month
19/02/2024
To kick off 2024, we launched our annual Wellbeing Month.
Carbon reporting: A guide to responsibility and transparency
20/12/2023
Understanding what to report in terms of carbon emissions is a crucial yet complex task.
Going green in graduate recruitment
04/10/2023
Embracing sustainable recruitment for new talent.
A sustainable summer for Burness Paull
07/09/2023
This summer many of our colleagues committed to removing single use plastic from their working day.
