An alliance comprising law firms and organisations today announced plans to develop a carbon footprint measuring tool for firms across the sector.

The initiative is being developed by the Legal Sector Alliance, an inclusive movement of law firms and organisations committed to working collaboratively to encourage the legal profession to commit to environmental sustainability.

The LSA Carbon Footprint Protocol is being developed by the sector for the sector in recognition of the fact that many law firms have not yet begun to measure their carbon footprint. Early results from an LSA survey reveal that many firms have not measured their carbon footprint because they do not know where to start.

Law Society Chief Executive Des Hudson said: "You can't manage what you haven't measured, so calculation of your carbon footprint is absolutely crucial before you take action to reduce it."

The tool being developed will include a document outlining its scope and methodology, a spreadsheet-based measurement tool and practical guidance, which will specifically address the most common issues faced by law firms.

The LSA believes it is essential for firms to measure their carbon footprint, before any efforts to reduce it can be made and will be developing the protocol in collaboration with LSA members who have already measured their carbon footprint.

The Protocols, which are not expected to be launched until July this year, will assist firms with this measurement, and will help them to benchmark their performance. The Protocols will also help improve comparability across the sector.

For more information about the Legal Sector Alliance go to the website.

3:30pm Monday 28th April 2008

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