AusLSA Principles

In acknowledging that AusLSA Members will be at different stages of promoting sustainability in their business, we have developed some examples of how the AusLSA Principles may be applied.

1.  Measuring, managing and improving the sustainability of our businesses 

Some examples of how this might be applied:

• measure and monitor performance to help identify problem areas
• measure our carbon footprint (use the AusLSA Environmental Consumption Calculator)
• set a target against which reductions will be measured
• seek to reduce the environmental impact of the internal operations and physical assets under our control
• reduce resource use, improve reuse and recycling of waste
• modify operations and services to minimise impacts
• undertake a review of printing and working practices
• develop and implement a sustainable transport policy for business travel

2.  Working collaboratively to build the capacity of our peers, suppliers and other stakeholders to improve their sustainability  

Some examples of how this might be applied:

• engage with our clients about working in a way that reduces our carbon footprints
• engage with our clients concerning the obligations and responsibilities under any sustainability legislation
• anticipate and plan for compliance and regulation and help clients to do so
• work collaboratively with suppliers to minimise the end-to-end carbon footprint along the supply chain
• include environmental considerations in procurement decisions
• encourage/challenge our suppliers to deliver more environmentally sustainable products
• engage with our local community on climate change issues

3.  Developing  a shared understanding of the value that sustainability provides across our businesses 

Some examples of how this might be applied:

• develop and implement sustainable business policies
• ensure accountability/responsibility for sustainability issues at the most senior level
• review progress against the principles once a year at the most senior level
• embed sustainability issues into risk evaluation and strategic decision making
  begin to communicate our commitment to the principles across any international offices
• raise awareness among employees and empower them to take action

4.  Engaging in the public debate to develop, apply and promote best practice across the sector 

Some examples of how this might be applied:

• share best practice through case studies and peer networking
• contribute to research and policy formulation in the field of sustainability
  actively engage in public debate on sustainability issues and the regulatory response
• work with clients to engage in that debate, and participate in research and policy formation
• highlight opportunities for more sustainable ways of practising law to AusLSA
• provide pro bono advice to environmental organisations working to promote sustainability
• identify opportunities to work in partnership with NGOs and government

5. Report on our progress and be accountable

Some examples of how this might be applied:

• report annually to AusLSA on progress against the principles
• use our annual report, website or intranet to report on our progress