Firm pushes boundaries in climate leadership with innovative SAF commitment
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/AirNewZealand/photos
This article was provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
In a landmark move for sustainability in the legal sector, MinterEllisonRuddWatts is piloting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) emissions reductions with Air New Zealand, becoming the only law firm in New Zealand to participate in the initiative. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the firm’s commitment to climate leadership and net-zero goals.
SAF is currently considered the main way aviation will decarbonise for the foreseeable future. Through Air New Zealand, SAF’s “book and claim” system enables corporate partners to purchase SAF certificates (known as SAFc) that contribute to the airline’s use of sustainable fuel. These certificates can then be applied to a company’s own carbon reporting, helping reduce Scope 3 emissions from business travel.
The trial comes at a time when global momentum around SAF policy and production is rapidly increasing. Airlines, governments, airports, and fuel companies across the Asia-Pacific region are investing in alternative fuels, and Air New Zealand is working to help ensure New Zealand is at the table given our nation’s heavy reliance on long-haul aviation and trade.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ involvement aligns with its Sustainability Strategy and reinforces the firm’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The firm has pledged that 80% of its travel during the working week will be sustainable and is actively seeking innovative ways to reduce its environmental impact.
“This partnership demonstrates our leadership and accountability in the sustainability sector,” says Holly Hill, partner and sustainability leader at the firm.
“By championing SAF, we’re not only addressing a portion of our carbon footprint – we’re also helping to stimulate demand for sustainable fuel and encourage local production in New Zealand.”
Air New Zealand has offered emissions reductions through SAF to a group of early adopters to better understand corporate customer demand and inform future SAF investment, says Kiri Hannifin, the airline’s chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer.
“SAF is a complex commodity to understand, and it's a big step for a New Zealand company to buy SAF certificates because they're so new. We are very grateful to MinterEllisonRuddWatts for the leap of faith they have shown and for their leadership,” says Hannifin.
“Customers contributing to SAF like this is meaningful not only for climate reasons, but also because their action helps set up and scale a global SAF system for the future.”
This partnership not only highlights the growing role of corporate responsibility in climate action but also sets a precedent for how professional services firms can contribute meaningfully to decarbonisation and sustainability initiatives.
