To ensure sustainability is embedded at the core of the business, Pinsent Masons LLP partnered with the University of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and Environment to provide a ‘Climate and Sustainability Accelerator Programme’ which aims to enable teams across the firm to adapt their practices to the changing demands of the climate emergency.

The firm’s multidisciplinary climate change and sustainability group launched in 2020 and is led by the previous head of the firm’s global projects practice, Michael Watson. In a recent highlight, Peter Feehan, who specialises in cleantech and renewable energy projects, advised E.ON and Marunbeni on their bid for Bristol City Leap, Bristol’s bold ambition to become a net-zero city by 2045; this specifically focuses on a city-wide heat network and renewable energy infrastructure. Senior associate and environmental law expert Fiona Ross is assisting a leading FMCG Plc with its participation in the LEAF coalition which mobilises funding for tropical forest restoration for emissions reductions.

The team also has niche area of expertise in carbon capture projects. Recent clients include Drax Power Limited (DPL) regarding its innovative Bioenergy Carbon Capture Project at Drax Power Station, and Viridor Energy Limited in connection with its carbon capture and storage project.

The firm was one of the first law firms to join the SBTI’s Business Ambition for 1.5^oC Campaign and the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, and its goal of becoming net zero by 2040 is validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).