Environmental sustainability | Penningtons Manches Cooper

At Penningtons Manches Cooper, we see environmental responsibility as a shared commitment, and one we take seriously. We recognise that the health of our planet and the wellbeing of future generations are deeply interconnected. That’s why we’re focused on minimising our impact, protecting biodiversity, and working together with our people, clients, and communities to help build a more sustainable future.

Net zero by 2040

We have committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain by 2040. Our near-term and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

As part of this goal, we aim to:

reduce 100% of our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
reduce 50% of our scope 3 emissions by 2030
reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2040

These science-based targets reflect the emphasis we place on environmental stewardship. Our Net Zero Transition Plan, developed with our sustainability partner Planet Mark, is reviewed annually and updated regularly to respond to changes in our business, advances in technology, and the evolving climate landscape.

In this Planet Mark interview, we share how we’re working towards net zero and supporting businesses on their own journeys. You can read the full Plant Mark case study here.

Sustainable operations

Our sustainability strategy is built around four key pillars – workspace, travel, supply chain, and engagement.

Each area is supported by our sustainability champions, a cross-firm group that challenges current practices, reviews progress, and advocates for meaningful change. Their work helps ensure our response to climate change is embedded throughout the firm.

We’re proud that our UK offices have been certified to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard since 2022. Our memberships of the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA), Climate Law and Policy (CLP), and British Property Federation Net Zero further strengthen our approach.

ISO 14001 certificate Environmental statement

Ethical supply chain

Our commitment to the environment extends to the goods and services we procure and the partners we work with. While we prioritise suppliers who share our values around sustainability and ethical practices, we have fostered a ‘partner not penalise’ approach, offering support to long-term partners to ensure we create positive change through collaboration, shared understanding and knowledge building.

Global forest initiative

We understand that meaningful climate action goes beyond reducing our operational footprint. That’s why we launched the global forest initiative, a programme that brings together our people, clients, and partners to support reforestation efforts and promote biodiversity.

For every participant, we pledge to plant a tree or provide one for planting at home, in the workplace, or as part of a community project. Since launching in 2021, and in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society, we’ve planted over 7,000 trees – a growing symbol of our shared drive toward a greener future.

Making a positive contribution to our natural world

In 2025, we began a five-year partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to support its Buzzing in the East End (BEE) project. This initiative focuses on restoring wild bumblebee populations in East and South-East London, where they face increasing pressure from habitat loss and competition with domesticated honeybees. Working with local landowners, residents, and under-represented communities, the trust is helping to create and protect habitats for these rare and vital pollinators.

Learn more about the Bumblebee Conservation Trust