The past year has seen the Footprint Committee branch out to all of our Australian offices.
This has led to a wider representation from within the firm on the Committee, both in offices and positions within the firm. It means the Footprint Committee can take an across-the-board approach to decisions, rather than a top-down approach. This structure and scope of representation are significant reasons why the Committee's work has been so successful over the past 12 months.
Last year was a significant one for environmental issues, with awareness and acceptance of local and global problems caused by the human impact on our environment at an all-time high. This momentum led to environment policy becoming a central issue in the Australian federal election fought in November 2007 and the implementation of an emissions trading scheme in Australia has already been a major focus this year. International debate on the replacement of the Kyoto Treaty, which Australia ratified in December 2007, is intensifying.
It was heartening to see politicians and parts of the business community accepting their role in protecting the environment, as well as individuals playing their part. The Footprint Committee is aware that the increasingly innovative and influential role organisations play in reducing their impact on the environment can raise awareness among individuals within that organisation and assist them to play their part.
That is why this year the Footprint Committee will focus not only on making sure that the firm continues to reduce its environmental impact but also on helping each member of staff to do their bit – both in the office and at home – to help the planet. It is the Committee's goal in 2008 to prompt staff to become advocates of sustainability in all aspects of their lives. That way, our staff members will build on the outstanding results the firm has achieved over the past 12 months.
Reduce the Use campaign
The firm's 'Reduce the Use' campaign, which aimed to reduce the volume of paper used by the firm through education and practical measures, has achieved dramatic results. The volume of paper used in printers and multi-function devices (faxes, copiers and printers) across all departments has dropped more than one-third since we began the closer mapping of paper use in 2004. Part of the continued success of the campaign in the past year has been an improvement in the ease of filing emails electronically rather than in hard copy.
Ride2Work Day
Ride2Work Day was held on 15 October to promote cycle-friendly roads and workplaces. More than 60 staff in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane participated in the day. We expect this number to grow significantly this year, especially with the participation of the Perth office for the first time.
The firm has also made the decision to purchase 'green' stationery, with a significant amount of stationery used by the firm now green. The firm has also introduced procurement policies that incorporate sustainability as a key consideration in purchasing decisions.
Of great significance was the firm's decision to move to 'green' electricity. It is the firm's goal to utilise 75 per cent 'green' electricity in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
In driving these initiatives, the Committee has enjoyed the full support of the firm's leadership team. The Committee looks forward with great hope and excitement to the future.
For more information about the Footprint Committee, please contact Susan.Pestana@aar.com.au
You can download the pdf version of our Community Commitment brochure (1.8MB).
