Gowling WLG (UK) LLP's near- and long-term science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), and include the commitment to a science-based net-zero target by 2040.
The targets, approved by SBTi as of 1 May 2025, mark the achievement of a key objective of the firm's environmental 'PLANET+' commitment under the firm's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. In working towards these targets, direct emissions reductions will be prioritised across Scope 1, 2 and 3, with only the final 10% of hard-to-abate emissions to be neutralised in line with SBTi criteria. The endorsement will be published on the SBTi website on 12 June 2025, confirming the targets set out below:
Overall net-zero target:
- To reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by financial year (FY) 2040.
Near-term targets:
- To reduce absolute scope 1 GHG emissions 50% by FY2030 from a FY2023 base year.
- To reduce absolute scope 2 GHG emissions 80% within the same timeframe.
- To reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 50% within the same timeframe.
Long-term targets:
- To reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by FY2040 from a FY2023 base year.
- To reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by FY2040 from a FY2023 base year.
Michael Luckman, Gowling WLG (UK) LLP General Counsel, said: "This achievement reinforces our ESG strategy and long-standing PLANET+ commitment – setting out our own science-based pathway to achieving net-zero. It is of vital importance to make rapid and deep emission cuts to halve global emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero before 2050. We are fully committed to play our part through delivering on the targets and urge our stakeholders also to commit to science-based net-zero targets aligned with the SBTi's 1.5°C mitigation pathway."
The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to take meaningful climate action. Its tools, standards, and guidance enable organisations to set GHG emissions reduction targets aligned with climate science — specifically, to limit global temperature rises to 1.5°C and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Gowling WLG's approach to environment and other wider sustainability issues is guided by its ESG strategy. Progress against objectives is closely monitored to strive for continuous improvement across key areas of focus – with assessment through internal audit and assurance, adopted quality standards and external audit through BSI and EcoVadis. The impacts and outcomes of this work is reported annually – the latest information now being available in the firm's 2024 Sustainability Report.