The Green Pledge

The Campaign for Greener Arbitrations seeks to raise awareness of the significant carbon footprint of dispute resolution. The Campaign addresses the need for environmentally sustainable practices in arbitration, and encourages all stakeholders (including counsel, arbitrators, parties to disputes, and institutions) to commit to the Campaign's Guiding Principles and reduce their carbon footprint when resolving disputes.

Guiding principles

As an arbitration practitioner committed to ensuring that I minimise the environmental impact of my practice, I commit to:

  • Creating a work space with a reduced environmental footprint by looking for opportunities to reduce energy consumption and waste;

  • Corresponding electronically, unless hard copy correspondence is expressly needed in the circumstances, while also being mindful that email has a carbon footprint.

  • Encouraging the use of videoconferencing facilities as an alternative to travel (including for the purposes of conducting fact finding or interviews with witnesses);

  • Avoiding printing, requesting the use of electronic rather than hard copies of documents and promoting the use of electronic bundles at hearings;

  • Using, where possible, suppliers and service providers who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint (including for the purposes of arranging an arbitration hearing);

  • Considering and/or suggesting, where appropriate, that witnesses or experts give evidence through videoconferencing facilities, rather than attend hearings in person;

  • Avoiding unnecessary travel and using videoconferencing facilities as an alternative;

  • Considering and questioning the need to fly at all times and offsetting carbon emissions for any arbitration-related travel.

Sign The Green Pledge

Complete the form to sign the Green Pledge and support the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations.

Support the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations yourself or on behalf of your organisation. Once you sign the pledge, you will receive an email containing a welcome pack which includes information and assets to promote your support of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations.

Already signed the Pledge? Download the promotional pack