Our Net Zero Mission

Why does Net Zero matter to us?

At Anderson Strathern we care about our environment. We understand the impact our emissions have and that every business needs to play its part, that’s why as a key part of our strategy, we are committing to significant changes.

Achieving Net Zero means ensuring our carbon emissions are in balance with the emissions we can remove from the atmosphere. In practice, Net Zero will mean we focus our efforts to achieve the greatest impact, which will involve a mixture of avoiding emissions, implementing more efficient working practices, and using renewable energy. However, we recognise that Net Zero will require us to offset carbon to compensate for unavoidable emissions; and go beyond carbon neutrality by continually reducing the amount we need to offset over time.

What have we achieved?

In 2019 we set our emissions baseline which were based on a limited range of emissions categories, being energy, waste, water, and business travel.  In 2021 we established a Net Zero Working Group and set a target to reduce that baseline by 40% by 2030.  We work closely with environmental consultants Beyond Green to determine the baseline and our annual emissions figures.

We were delighted to announce we met our interim target early in 2025!  This was a fantastic achievement for Anderson Strathern.  We were also proud to share that we:

• Reduced our head office space by 2/3 by moving to our new BREAM accredited office in Capital Square- resulting in our electricity consumption decreasing c80%;
• Initiated Ecometrica software platform to assist with reporting on emissions data;
• Provided Tender Support on Net Zero for firm tender submissions;
• Led on the firm’s required ESOS reporting requirements;
• Partnered with Millar & Bryce on NZ awareness collaboration in a tree planting exercise; and
• Had members of our working group complete Carbon Literacy training.

What’s next?

Having achieved this initial target, the Net Zero Working Group moved to Phase 2.  We have set:

1. a new Phase 2 Carbon Baseline for financial year ending March 2025 widening the emissions categories to all 3 scopes; and
2. a Net Zero Roadmap to achieve a 20% reduction by 2035 to align with science-based targets and Scottish Government 2045 Net Zero target.

In setting these new targets, we have committed to:

• Completing an annual working from home and commuting Staff Survey;
• Contributing to the firm’s AI initiative, looking at both its environmental impact and the opportunities it could bring on energy and environmental efficiencies; and
• Contributing to the firm’s management to ensure that net zero impact is considered at the decision making stage.

How are we developing a credible approach to Net Zero?

Our strategy is to be “an entrepreneurial and dynamic firm which is in robust financial health and which cares about its people, clients, environment and communities”; and Net Zero is a key component for this strategy. Over a number of years, we have built a strong CSR policy, including certification to ISO14001, developed a track record in advising on nationally significant renewable energy projects and established a dedicated task force focused on innovation. It is critical to avoid emissions which is why we take this seriously and involved our people in the mission to net zero.

With the changing nature of all Net Zero journeys, we are committed to recording and monitoring our emissions to in line with key reporting principles.

How do we involve our people?

Net Zero requires a collection of ideas, not a single solution. So, as well as big innovations, a small and simple change in our daily activities could have a big impact on our emissions. The Net Zero Group meets monthly to discuss feedback from our people who then report back and share ideas and comments. Through hosting regular Staff Engagement Sessions on updates on our journey, promoting best practice and inviting external speakers (including Head of Sustainability at the Scottish Government, Head of Climate Change Commission and Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful), staff can stay informed of the targets, the nature and climate crises and where each department and member of staff can play their part.

The firm’s Net Zero ambition demonstrates its leadership to its current and prospective employees who desire real change and want to exceed the rising expectations of public and private clients.