Climate Neutrality by 2045 – GvW Sets an Ambitious Climate Protection Target

GvW Graf von Westphalen is consistently implementing its commitment to sustainable business practices. In addition to the 1.5°C target of the Paris Climate Agreement, the law firm is also committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2045 aiming to reduce its emissions by approximately 80%.

According to the 2024 whatif report by the climate tech company right°, the DAX 40 companies as a group are currently on a 4.9°C trajectory. The global warming currently predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is also around 3°C by 2100 if no further climate protection measures are taken – a figure that is far too high.

GvW, in collaboration with the climate tech company right°, has prepared its own XDC Climate Impact Report (CIR), according to which GvW is currently on a 3.2° C trajectory (more on this in our video). This serves as an important signal to intensify our own climate protection efforts in order to contribute to the achievement of international climate protection targets.

‘The service sector, which also includes the law firm world, is often unaware of its own CO₂ footprint and its role in the transformation of the economy towards sustainability. We must and want to make our contribution,’ said Dr Annika Bleier, Head of ESG & Sustainability at GvW. ’The figures make it clear that we must consistently continue on the path of transformation. Above all, this means reducing emissions. We are pleased to have right° as a partner to assist us in our efforts to reduce emissions’.

In order to operate in compliance with the 1.5°C target, GvW must, according to the XDC CIR, reduce its projected greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% by 2100.* This necessitates an extremely ambitious reduction path until 2045. ‘We are well aware of the urgent need for decisive action to achieve our climate protection goals. It is a challenging task for all of us. However, thanks to the commitment of our entire firm and the support of our partners, we are confident that we will succeed,’ emphasised managing partners Christof Kleinmann and Dr Robert Theissen.

The data mentioned is based on comprehensive emissions data collected by GvW (Scope 1-3 according to GHG) and an XDC Climate Impact Report (base year 2021; XDC model version 3.0) prepared by the climate tech company right°.