Taking climate action

Committing to an ambitious science-based goal

Allens has a long-held commitment to reducing our impacts on the environment. In August 2022, we took a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts by setting a science-based target to reduce our firmwide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by FY2030 from a FY2019 baseline.

Our near term target, independently assessed and approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), means we now have a target for reducing emissions in line with climate science and contributing to the global challenge of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

At the time of the target's approval, Allens became the first Australian-based law firm, and one of just 28 Australian businesses, to have a near-term science-based target approved.

'We have been measuring and taking action to reduce and offset the firm's greenhouse gas emissions for many years. Committing to a science-based target demonstrates best practice and enables us to understand and focus on the important emissions reduction work that is needed now, and over the next five to ten years,' said Sustainability Manager Emma Fitzgerald.

To achieve our target, our areas of focus will include promoting energy efficiency in our operations, transitioning to 100% GreenPower accredited electricity for our tenancy electricity (where possible) and continuing to support hybrid working practices and invest in virtual conferencing technology.

Progress is already underway, and key measures taken over the past 12 months include sourcing GreenPower accredited electricity for our offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and integrating sustainability features in the design of our new Perth office. 

Read more about our near term science-based target and view our historical Climate Active Public Disclosure Statements.

Allens' history of environmental action

1978

The firm supports WWF-Australia on its formation through pro bono legal work and fundraising.

1995

Allens provides pro bono legal support to Bush Heritage for the first time, a relationship that continues today.

2001

The firm becomes the first Australian organisation to sign the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

2010

Allens is awarded the WSP Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award at the UN Association of Australia’s World Environment Day Awards.

2014

The firm becomes the first Australian law firm to achieve certification for our Australian offices through the Australian Government carbon neutral initiative, now known as Climate Active.

2020

The firm starts purchasing 100% GreenPower accredited electricity for our Sydney and Melbourne offices.

2022

The firm sets a near term science-based emissions reduction target, independently validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, and starts sourcing GreenPower accredited electricity for our Brisbane office.

Partner Annette Hughes collects the WSP Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award.

Bob Brown's former cottage at Oura Oura Reserve. Photograph by Chris Crerar. Courtesy of Bush Heritage Australia.

A fisherman symbolically handing over the gill net to WWF-Australia’s Jim Higgs, 2018. Photographed by Holly Sara. Courtesy of WWF-Australia.