Shoosmiths has achieved effectively zero net operational carbon emissions for the 2024–2025 financial year, marking a major milestone in its journey as a low-carbon law firm.

Published: 14 October 2025

This achievement was made possible through significant carbon reductions and the purchase and retirement of engineered carbon removal credits via Carbonaires, a specialist in high-integrity carbon removals. The credits, sourced from women-led biochar company HUSK, compensate for Shoosmiths’ remaining operational emissions, including unabated Scope 1 and residual Scope 2 market-based emissions not covered by renewable energy procurement through Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates. Where REGOs were unable to be sourced, residual emissions are transparently disclosed and addressed through carbon removals. Shoosmiths has reduced scope 1 emissions by 75% since 2020 and in the current financial year reached 100% renewable energy sourcing, in line with the firm’s Science Based Targets Initiative approved targets.

Certified under the European Biochar Certification (EBC) C-Sink Standard, the credits ensure durable carbon storage for at least a century. They were retired via Carbonaires’ partnership with CarbonPlace, providing full traceability through purpose-built digital tools.

Max Finney, Senior Sustainability Manager at Shoosmiths, said, “Our vision is to be a low carbon law firm, enabling a sustainable future for our clients, our communities, and our people. This milestone reflects our commitment to reducing emissions at source whilst investing in the development of the market for removals that meet the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and long-term impact.”

Sascha Roest-Ellis, Head of Science at Carbonaires, said, “We are delighted to partner with Shoosmiths on their journey toward zero net operational emissions. At Carbonaires, we prioritise carbon removals that are grounded in rigorous science, certified to the highest standards, and fully transparent in their impact.”

Shoosmiths’ approach demonstrates its commitment to science-based climate action and responsible investment in solutions that deliver both environmental and social value.

¹HUSK Project Details

Further details can be found in Shoosmiths Carbon Reduction Plan.