BW announces net zero carbon pledge for 2021 and commits to building a sustainable future

Barnett Waddingham has announced its net zero pledge for 2021 as we commit to do the right thing for now and over the longer term to build a sustainable future.

With immediate effect, the organisation will be net carbon neutral for scope 1 and 2 emissions having made a significant reduction in our footprint by reducing emissions across the business. BW also pledges to continue to do the right thing and reduce its footprint by only using high quality, nature-based offsets to achieve neutrality.

We will also integrate net zero into advisory services by helping clients understand the risks and opportunities coming from climate change. As advisers to more than £80bn of client assets, BW will support investors to consider net zero alongside their investment objectives, managing risk and seeking returns through the transition to a low carbon economy.

Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner, said: “As with everything we do, our promise to do the right thing is at the heart of our net zero carbon pledge and our wider sustainability strategy. For BW, sustainability is about focussing on meeting the needs of the present, without compromising future generations. We pledge to operate a sustainable business both now and for the long-term.

“Considering the wider impacts we can have on the communities we operate in are priorities for us, so we are building on our culture, and embedding sustainability & ESG across our organisation and ensuring all colleagues, clients and suppliers are actively aware, engaged and supported as we transition to a net zero world."

Scott Eason, Lead Sustainability Partner, said: “We are using our diverse professional skills across the organisation to add value and expertise for clients across all areas of sustainability including investment, risk management and health & wellbeing in the workplace to help them define and achieve their sustainability goals and support climate governance and communications.

"A systemic change like net zero can only be achieved by working together and collaborating with other organisations also looking to go further, faster in building a sustainable future.”

BW commit to be operationally net zero, including all indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain (Scope 3), by 31 May 2025, if not sooner.