ESG is a Whole-of-Organisation Endeavour
Darragh Blake Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Global law firm Eversheds Sutherland says a key part of its success in 2023 was adjusting quickly to focus efforts in new developing areas such as ESG.
Darragh Blake, Partner, explained, “We are the largest and most established full-service global law practice in Ireland and the standout choice for internationally focused corporates and financial institutions looking to do business in and from Ireland. Last year some of the most significant impact we made was through advising our clients on their ESG and sustainability journeys.”
As a global top 10 law firm with a footprint encompassing over 70 offices in more than 30 countries, Eversheds Sutherland now has an entire division dedicated to ESG with expert knowledge of sustainability regulations, rules and guidance being introduced around the world. Its ESG practice advises clients on energy transition, carbon markets, sustainable finance, corporate compliance and reporting, business and human rights and supply chain management.
“Our global and multidisciplinary ESG team understands the challenges, risks and opportunities that ESG and sustainability presents. Our lawyers are advising clients on the regulatory changes in place and to come, and are helping them craft a forward-looking ESG strategy that maximizes opportunities, supports sustainable growth, mitigates risk and helps them deliver on their business commitments and purpose”, said Blake.
The firm is also committed to embedding sustainable business practices throughout its local and global operations, “We have a comprehensive and globally responsible business strategy that incorporates ESG.”
The firm’s sustainability plan has four key areas of focus – its People, Community, Environment, and Governance & Ethics – and as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, it supports the 10 principles and 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the Compact.
“A key component of our ongoing success is investing significantly in our people and our practice offerings to make sure we have the necessary skillsets within our ranks to provide leading local and global legal and tax advice to our clients to help them succeed. We were the only Irish business to be recognised recently for our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and business, and this is an ongoing focus for us.”
“In particular concerning the social aspect of ESG, making a positive contribution to society and the communities we serve is at the heart of our strategy; we are doing this through our pro bono, volunteer and charitable activities, using our talents and time for the benefit of others.”
As a global firm, Eversheds Sutherland has set a science-based target (SBT) to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 50% by 2030, as well as goals to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and to become a Net Zero business by 2050 or sooner.
“We strongly believe that ESG should be central to the organisation and never owned by one department or role – it is a whole-of-organisation endeavour and an effective governance framework is the best tool to manage ESG risks.”
“We also understand that successfully managing the risks and opportunities stemming from ESG issues may hold the key to unlocking business value and protecting future resilience”, said Blake.
Finally, with FDI in mind, “A lot of Ireland’s success is driven by us being an international jurisdiction of choice. We have grown quite significantly over the last 36 months, mainly driven by foreign investors establishing operations in Ireland or expanding their existing operations in and from Ireland. Increasingly sustainability is key for these decision-makers choosing locations for new investments so, a continued focus on sustainability in Ireland is essential for attracting business.”
