ESG

Our work to promote ESG and sustainability is based on the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact. The 10 principles focus on business undertakings’ work with human rights, employee rights, environment and anti-corruption. We joined the UN Global Compact in 2008, the first Danish law firm to do so. An international initiative, the UN Global Compact works to promote corporate social responsibility.

We also commit ourselves to enter into partnerships that make a positive difference. We do this through our pro bono work. Read more about our pro bono work.

Our work with the Global Goals

In 2015, UN member states adopted 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The goals, among which are equality and justice, set a common course for the nations and businesses of the world. Our work to promote sustainability and corporate social responsibility is especially conducive to three of the goals.

As a knowledge-based firm, we are dependent on the knowledge and qualifications of our employees. The world is dependent on young talents. They are the key to our future. We train some 30 commercial lawyers each year. Having all completed a three-year training programme as assistant attorneys, they are fully equipped to create value for Danish businesses. Also, we offer training to and share knowledge with clients, with the industry, and with society at large. We want to do what we can to make sure even more children and young people will receive a proper education and enjoy a future that benefits themselves and all of us, and we want to help move society toward sustainability, to the benefit of future generations. Education and entrepreneurship are cornerstones for achieving individual and societal growth. That is why Global Goal no. 4 (Quality Education and Lifelong Learning) is a priority for us.

Diversity and inclusion are a natural part of our DNA. Diversity makes us stronger. Global Goal no. 5 (Gender Equality) is also a priority for us to ensure a balanced and harmonious environment.

We are committed to initiatives with local roots, and some of them with a global outlook. Acknowledging that the goals cannot be achieved working alone, we will especially contribute to sustainable development through partnerships (Global Goal no. 17), including by contributing our legal expertise through, for example, the offering of pro bono advice to organisations and businesses.

Our sustainability work – now and in the future

Wanting to take our sustainability reporting to the next level, we began using the digital EcoVadis platform in 2022. The platform shows us where we are doing good and where we ought to improve. EcoVadis is one of the world's biggest providers of corporate sustainability ratings. EcoVadis helps us gather documentation and monitor our work across four areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Over the summer of 2022, we collected documentation in all those areas. The first review of our policies and processes came out at an above-average score among organisations that have used EcoVadis. Read more about EcoVadis.

Areas for improvement and projects launched

Having evaluated our performance, we launched a project to improve our score. Based on the assessment, we have identified a number of focus areas that we will be working on in 2023:

1. Carbon footprint

In 2023, with the help of an external advisor, we will calculate our carbon footprint. Based on our carbon footprint, we can identify requirements and initiate additional measures.

2. Review and drafting of policies

In addition, the drafting of proper policies for our work with and handling of environmental issues and requirements of our suppliers will give us clear guidelines within the organisation. Guidelines to which management and employees must adhere in the day-to-day activities.

3. ESG strategy

In 2023 we intend to develop an ESG strategy to set the framework for our future reporting in this area.