Linklaters pledges support for greener arbitrations

Linklaters has pledged its support to minimising the environmental impact of the international arbitration community, becoming a signatory to the “Green Pledge”. Launched by the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, the Pledge seeks to promote best practice in managing arbitrations sustainably.

In line with the Campaign’s Guiding Principles, Linklaters’ International Arbitration practice has committed to reducing its environmental impact through a range of means, such as, encouraging the use of video-conferencing as an alternative to travel, off-setting carbon emissions for any necessary arbitration-related travel and using suppliers and service providers who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, where possible. 

Linklaters was at the forefront of virtual hearings during the Covid-19 pandemic, acting in one of the first fully virtual trials in the English Commercial Court as well as many virtual arbitration hearings subsequently. Foreseeing that the use of virtual hearings will remain a feature of international arbitration post pandemic, Linklaters constructed a special purpose-built virtual hearing room in its London, Silk Street office.

Ben Carroll, partner and global co-head of international arbitration at Linklaters, comments: “We are committed to playing our part in reducing the environmental impact of the international arbitration community. Covid-19 has accelerated the pace of change in the arbitration arena, and we will continue to leverage technology to drive efficiencies for our clients and to reduce the carbon footprint of our industry."

Earlier this year, Linklaters introduced sector-leading carbon reduction targets, committing to reduce its ‘Scope 1&2’ emissions (primarily energy) by 70% by 2030 and ‘Scope 3’ emissions (primarily purchased goods/services and travel) by 50%, again by 2030.

Linklaters is at the forefront of advising clients as they navigate the changing ESG landscape and the climate transition. The firm has a market-leading ESG team, ranked Band 1 in Chambers in its inaugural Global-wide Environment, Social and Governance Risk category this year. The team has a robust understanding of the regulatory and policy drivers of the market and experience across a wide range of sectors and contexts. Adopting a holistic approach, the team covers the full spectrum of ESG issues – from climate change and resource efficiency, human rights and community engagement, anti-bribery and corruption to transparency and disclosure, product governance, and risk management more generally.

Find out more about the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations here.