Contributors
Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been recognised in The Legal 500's first UK Green Guide, which recognises the top UK law firms leading the way on climate change, governance, and sustainability.
WBD is amongst the 27 UK firms spearheading the 'green change' and ESG agendas whether this is through firmwide commitments and initiatives or in the work the firm does for clients advising on clean and renewable energy projects and energy transition.
WBD has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to its environmental management. The firm was amongst the first law firms in the UK to announce its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 and procures renewable energy in five of its seven UK offices, with nearly 50% of the energy used across the UK coming from renewable sources.
A founding member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance, WBD is recognised by EcoVadis, the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings and has also been Planet Mark accredited for five consecutive years for measuring, reducing and reporting on its carbon footprint and engaging with stakeholders across the UK.
Also praised in the Legal 500 Green Guide is WBD's energy practice which has been immersed in the energy and natural resources sectors for decades, giving it great depth of experience across the various different forms of energy and power. The firm has advised on some of the largest renewable energy schemes in the UK, from CCUS, hydrogen, energy storage and heat networks through to wind, solar and marine projects. Key highlights include:
- Advising longstanding client Vattenfall on its Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas windfarm projects, which won Best Project at the 2022 National Infrastructure Planning Association awards. The schemes cement and maintain Norfolk as a UK renewable energy powerhouse, providing the equivalent electricity needs of almost 4 million UK homes per year, while saving 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
- Acting for The Crown Estate on a key lithium exploration project off the Cornish coast
- Being the sole legal adviser to RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, on all aspects of the development of its significant onshore wind, storage and solar portfolio in respect of new development and life extension projects
- Advising Windel Energy on a 1.5GW pipeline development of battery storage projects
- Advising lenders and funds, including The Renewable Infrastructure Group (TRIG) and the Green Investment Group on investments in novel renewable projects.
Richard Cockburn, UK head of energy at WBD, says:
"We're proud to be featured in the inaugural Legal 500 Green Guide as a firm leading the way on green change and advising a wide range of clients on the delivery of clean and innovative energy projects in the UK and across the globe. As we embark on a decade of climate action, our firm has its part to play in a cleaner and greener future for all and we look forward to building on the huge progress already made."
