SCC sustainability commitment

In this context, we are committed to providing dispute resolution services that are in line with our users’ ESG and sustainability requirements. In doing so, we can aid our users in realizing their ESG goals and sustainability ambitions. To that end, we are committed to maintaining a low carbon footprint, striving for diversity and gender equality, efficiently resolving climate-related disputes, and engaging our stakeholders on sustainability issues. 

1.  Reducing our own carbon footprint  

The SCC continuously seeks new ways to reduce its environmental impact. Already in 2013, we replaced voluminous paper filings with a digital case management system and email correspondence. Since 2019, we have encouraged carbon offsetting for arbitrators’ flights, facilitated virtual attendance at hearings and promoted online participation as an alternative to travel.  

As a supporter of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, the SCC has signed the Campaign’s Green Pledge and implemented its Green Protocols in our operations. 

The Campaign for Greener Arbitrations is an initiative launched by Lucy Greenwood in 2019 to reduce the environmental impact of international arbitrations. Read more about the campaign here.

We make informed choices when purchasing services and products and when selecting suppliers and partners; we carbon offset our flights; and, in 2022, we moved to a new office space in a certified Green Building. Read more about LEED certification here. 

2.  Striving toward diversity and gender equality  

The SCC promotes social sustainability by upholding an inclusive workplace and taking an active stance on gender equality and diversity in our operations. We find that prioritizing diversity gives us greater access to the necessary specialization, qualifications, experience, language skills, and availability. We believe that our services should support global commitments to gender equality and equal opportunity, while also reflecting the increasing diversity of our users. Therefore, when there are many candidates of similar qualifications, the SCC actively considers diversity of gender, age and national origin.  

The SCC has signed the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge (ERA), the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses (ERE) and is a partner of the Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers initiative. In 2022, 54 percent of the arbitrators appointed by the SCC were women. The SCC will continue to lead by example and actively promote gender equality and diversity in the dispute resolution community.  

Read more about the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge here, the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses here and the Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers Initiative here.

3.  Providing efficient resolution of climate-related disputes 

The SCC facilitates the climate transition by resolving disputes that relate to and impede that transition. Such disputes may arise out of investments in green technology, stricter environmental regulations, or climate-related challenges in the production and provision of goods and services. We believe that such disputes require efficient resolution, so that companies can keep up with the pace of the climate transition and focus their resources on business and climate goals.  

 Arbitration, expedited arbitration, mediation and the SCC Express are quick and efficient processes for resolving disputes related to the climate transition. In all SCC proceedings, we use our expertise and network to find and appoint arbitrators or mediators that have the necessary qualifications, including, where necessary, an understanding of the climate aspects of a dispute.  

4.  Engaging our stakeholders on sustainability issues  

The SCC has long been a recognized voice on sustainability issues in the dispute resolution community. We have organized conferences, participated in countless events, and contributed to publications on issues ranging from arbitrator diversity to the role of dispute resolution in the climate transition. In 2017 we launched the Stockholm Treaty Lab, a crowdsourcing initiative that challenged participants to draft model treaties designed to promote “green” investments.  

As established thought leaders in this area, we continue our efforts to promote awareness and engagement on sustainability issues in our community and among our stakeholders. Our goal is to generate innovative ideas on how dispute resolution can support the sustainability efforts of the business community, and to put those ideas into practice.