Environmental policy

Committed to reducing our environmental impact

Climate change is a global issue that affects our people, clients and communities. We willingly accept our responsibility to contribute to the global challenge of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Allens has a long-held commitment to reducing our impact on the environment. As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact we take action to uphold the Global Compact's 10 principles and contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In line with the environmental principles in the Global Compact, we are committed to adopting leading environmental sustainability practices and promoting environmental awareness and responsibility. Our policy covers all of Allens' offices in Australia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

We are also committed to taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and investing in accredited carbon offset projects. Our Australian offices are certified Carbon Neutral by Climate Active. 

Actions

Allens recognises that the activities required to deliver our legal services have both a direct and indirect impact on the environment. We have identified the material environmental impacts of our operations to be:

• Emission of greenhouse gas emissions through energy use and business travel
• Use of natural resources
• Generation and disposal of waste

We commit to taking the following actions to minimise our material environmental impacts.

Emissions and energy

1. Set emissions reduction targets.
2. Transition to purchasing our office electricity through arrangements that support renewable energy such as GreenPower, in offices where we have control.

Promote the efficient use of energy in our premises and operations.

1. Avoid non-essential business travel, and support and encourage the use of virtual collaboration technologies as an alternative to travel.
2. Encourage our people to commute sustainably.

Natural resources and waste

1. Promote the efficient use of natural resources.
2. Minimise the generation of waste, and promote reuse and recycling where possible.

Responsible sourcing

1. Take environmental factors into account when buying products and services.
2. Engage with our suppliers to set environmental standards and encourage positive environmental performance in our supply chain.
3. Make a positive impact through our procurement by seeking opportunities to engage social enterprises and Indigenous businesses in our supply chain.

Partnerships and engagement

1. Empower and support our people to adopt positive environmental practices at work and at home.
2. Support our clients in the transition to a low carbon economy.
3. Seek to develop and adopt innovative ways to promote efficiency in the delivery of our services to clients.
4. Support the environmental NGOs that we assist through our pro bono and philanthropy programs.
5. Collaborate with other members of the legal profession to promote sustainable business practices in the legal sector.

Comply with all applicable environmental legislation

Strive for continuous improvement, and set targets and monitor and report on our performance and progress.

Our policy will be reviewed (and, if required, updated) at least every 12 months.