45 BACK TO NAVIGATION CODE OF CONDUCT 2017 AusLSA Member Performance Only forty-two percent of AusLSA members currently have a program or policy to address the sustainability impacts that occur as a result of the products and services they procure. Ninety-three percent of these firms have now applied these standards to their existing suppliers as well as when establishing new contracts. Of the fourteen firms with sustainable supply chain programs, environmental considerations were most common with all firms including it in their requirements. The next most popular elements were human rights, labour equality and fair dealing issues which all featuring in the procurement choices of eleven firms. Gender equality issues were included by ten firms and indigenous inclusion and community issues were less common with only seven and eight firms respectively. Challenges and Opportunities For Sustainable Supply Chain Management to be workable in the business sector it needs to be financially viable and operationally practical in addition to being ethically preferable. Sustainable supply chain management is still a relatively new practice in Australia and information about the sustainability impacts or products and the options for more sustainable alternatives is incomplete and often difficult to find and interpret. Making sustainable procurement a practical and low risk commitment from law firms requires an investment in better information about current products and suppliers as well as more sustainable alternatives. Law firms can begin by researching and adopting the most applicable and beneficial sustainability certifications for the most significant products they use. Like other areas of sustainability this process is a journey that requires commitment, leadership and innovation. It is a challenge made easier by customers like law firms working together with suppliers to share information, systems and tools to collect and evaluate the sustainability of the products and services they procure. 100% 79% 29% 57% 50% 71% 79% 79% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Environment Fair operating practices Consumer issues Community support Indigenous inclusion Gender equality Human rights Labour rights SUPPLY CHAIN STANDARDS