Attitude Problem


A lot has been reported recently on law firms and their adventures into the world of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Unfortunately, there is also a real danger that any good that is achieved through this process will be destroyed unless a shift in the attitudes of these firms is made.



Readers may be aware of the recent exchange of 'who was first?' in the carbon-offset debate between law firms. It is indicative of the shallow, reactive response of some law firms when seeking to promote their 'green' credentials and wider corporate social responsibility policies. Admirable, to a degree, though it may be to redeem the environmental cost of their carbon emissions by means of intercession with the atmosphere through planting tress or funding renewable energy projects, it is simply impossible to account accurately for such offsetting projects. Recouping emissions in this way bears no relation to reality: false accounting, even if it is not intentional, is systemic in carbon-offset projects.



The buying and selling of carbon offsets has been described by one leading environmental campaigner, George Monbiot, as 'like pushing the food around your plate to create the impression that you have eaten it'.



For law firms that recognise reputation risk and value their green credentials, the message is clear. Postponing the hard choices they need to make now is no longer an option. Focus first on implementing a credible, responsive and independently audited environmental management system, fostering support and action from employees as a part of your CSR policies. Then, and only then, consider carbon-offset projects.



When deciding upon carbon-offset projects, consider whether you are engaging your organisation in the issue of climate change and carbon emissions. Are there charities that you can work with (and, as such, retain the highest standards of financial and ethical credentials)? Are your carbon-offset partners non-profit making? How much of your carbon-offset payments are going direct to the projects - the main UK offsetting companies spend a great deal of money on highly paid staff, marketing and international travel? And finally, are the carbon-offset schemes you are involved with independently and scientifically verified?



Paul Collins, Bond Pearce, Bristol