We have won the Impact on Climate Award at the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) Pinnacle Awards 2026. The award recognises projects completed since January 2024 that demonstrate measurable, bar-raising environmental initiatives within the pensions management profession.
Central to Burges Salmon’s winning entry is our user-friendly digital ESG Tool (ESGT), conceptualised and led by Pensions and Lifetime Savings Director Kate Granville Smith. The evolving resource helps pension schemes of all sizes navigate complex ESG and climate requirements by identifying knowledge gaps, signposting next steps, and providing practical guidance on fiduciary duties, stewardship, investment governance, and TCFD-style reporting. Supported by a hub of webinars, podcasts, and blogs, the ESGT empowers trustees to move from passive compliance to proactive stewardship while overcoming resource inequality across the sector.
Other sustainability elements of our entry included our firm-wide transition of all offices to 100% renewable electricity, achieving BREEAM Excellent ratings across our premises, securing an SBTi-approved target to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and 77% of our people now using low-carbon commuting options, amongst other KPIs and initiatives within our Responsible Business Framework.
In addition to the award win, our Pensions and Lifetime Savings team was also shortlisted in two other PMI Award categories. These being Team of the Year, reflecting client relationships spanning over three decades and market-leading mandates such as the ground-breaking Clara Pensions Superfund transfer. Richard Knight, Head of Pensions and Lifetime Savings, was also shortlisted for Leader of the Year following a period of rapid growth that has seen the practice more than double in three years to over 65 specialists across Bristol, Edinburgh, and London.
