Our Sustainability in Action
As we advise clients to reduce their environmental impact through a three-step process, we apply the same principles within Pangolin Associates and go even further.
Staff Tree Planting Day
Nicole Butler
Principal Consultant | Climate Impact
Putting Sustainability into Practice
Measure Annually
1
Each year, we measure our carbon footprint to understand the impact of our operations and identify opportunities for improvement. This helps us track progress over time and make informed decisions as we continue to reduce our environmental impact.
Reducing Our Impact
2
We implement practical policies and processes across our business to reduce waste, improve efficiency and minimise our environmental impact. These actions help embed sustainability into the way we work every day.
Offset Emissions
3
Where greenhouse gas emissions cannot be reduced or prevented, we offset them through verified initiatives. This allows us to take responsibility for our remaining impact while continuing to work towards lower emissions over time.
Recognised Standards, Meaningful Action
UN Global Impact
Signatory of United Nations Global Compact
We are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to operate responsibly by adopting environmentally and socially sustainable practices and transparently reporting on their progress. The Compact is built on four pillars: human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Progress in one area cannot offset harm caused in another.
Climate Active
Climate Active
Pangolin Associates is a certified carbon neutral organisation under the Australian Government's Climate Active program. Having supported many organisations through the certification process, we have also undertaken the journey ourselves. In FY2017–18, we expanded our certification to include our consulting, advisory and auditing services, becoming the first organisation in our sector to achieve certification.
View our Public Disclosure Statements on the Climate Active website.
Read the Pangolin Associates case study on the Climate Active website.
Annual Carbon Assessment
We measure our carbon footprint annually because understanding emissions is the foundation of effective climate action. This helps us identify opportunities to reduce our impact and track progress over time.
1% For the Planet
Business Member of 1% for the Planet
Pangolin Associates is a member of 1% for the Planet, a global network that connects businesses and individuals with environmental organisations creating positive impact. Through our membership, we commit 1% of annual revenue to support environmental initiatives and not-for-profit organisations.
Our contributions support organisations including Bush Heritage Australia, Greenfleet Australia, the African Pangolin Working Group, the Climate Council, the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network.
Alongside these contributions, we remain committed to reducing our environmental impact through our day-to-day operations and business practices.
Certified B Corporation
B Corp Certification
Pangolin Associates is a founding Australian B Corp and remains committed to the high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency that B Corp certification represents.
We also support organisations pursuing B Corp certification, helping them strengthen environmental performance, prepare for certification and improve outcomes during reassessment.
Social Responsibility Measures
Pangolin Associates has zero tolerance for violence, discrimination and exploitation in any form, both within our workplace and the broader community. We also support organisations that contribute to positive environmental and social outcomes.
Greenfleet Australia
A not-for-profit organisation that supports climate action through reforestation.
Climate Council of Australia
An independent voice on climate change, made up of climate scientists, health professionals, renewable energy experts, policy specialists, volunteers and supporters.
Australian Marine Conservation Society
An independent charity made up of scientists, educators and advocates working to protect critical marine ecosystems through marine reserves.
Bush Heritage Australia
An independent not-for-profit organisation that acquires and manages land, and works in partnership with others to conserve and protect native ecosystems and species.
Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network
A movement led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people advocating for climate justice.
African Pangolin Working Group
An organisation focused on the conservation of Africa’s pangolins through research and engagement with law enforcement and judicial agencies.
Médicins Sans Frontièrs (Doctors Without Borders)
An independent medical humanitarian organisation. We support Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) through the provision of annual greenhouse gas assessments on a pro bono basis.
Trees For Life
A not-for-profit organisation focused on reforestation to support carbon sequestration and habitat restoration.
Suppliers and Supply Chain Policy
We consider environmental and ethical performance alongside price, quality and service when selecting suppliers. Prospective suppliers are asked to complete a questionnaire outlining their sustainability initiatives and future commitments.
Where possible, we prioritise suppliers that demonstrate strong environmental and social performance, including certified B Corporations. We also nominate Australian Ethical Super as the default superannuation fund for our employees, reflecting our commitment to responsible business practices.
What We Do at Work
Reduce Paper
- We actively minimise paper consumption through the use of digital systems and the delivery of documents and reports in electronic formats. We use Apple MacBooks and iPads for meetings and presentations, reducing the need for printed materials. For larger presentations, supporting information is provided electronically rather than as printed handouts.
- Where printing is absolutely necessary, we use duplex printers, high-recycled-content paper and/or FSC certified paper. We also recycle toner cartridges and waste paper.
Reduce Energy Consumption
- We encourage clients, partners and suppliers to use digital communications wherever possible, reducing the need for printing, postage and other paper-based processes.
- We reduce energy consumption by switching off office equipment when it is not in use. Our Sydney and Melbourne offices are fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting and motion sensors.
- We are also a participating member of CitySwitch Green Office, a program that helps organisations improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in commercial buildings.
- Flexible working arrangements, including working from home, help reduce transport-related emissions and resource consumption.
Minimise Waste
- We aim to minimise waste by selecting products and materials that can be reused or recycled wherever possible. We also take additional steps to recycle items that cannot be processed through standard recycling systems, including toner cartridges, mobile phones and batteries.
Select Fairtrade
- We also consider social outcomes when selecting products and suppliers.
Transport and Travel
- For local travel, we encourage staff to use public transport, walk or cycle wherever practical. We also support the uptake of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles across the business. Currently, two of our three Directors drive electric vehicles (EVs), while the third drives a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).
- We also facilitate novated leases for electric vehicles (EVs) for staff, and a number of employees have taken up this option.
- We prioritise virtual meetings where possible to reduce business travel. When air travel is required, we choose economy class to minimise emissions and offset flights through verified carbon credit projects.
