Maurice Blackburn

Date Published: 02/2013

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers is one of Australia's leading plaintiff and social justice law firms. For more than 100 years, it has helped everyday Australians challenge unfair treatment and access justice. As a specialist litigation law firm, Maurice Blackburn acts on behalf of thousands of clients in personal injury, superannuation, insurance, and wills and estates claims. Since opening its doors in 1919, Maurice Blackburn has been committed to making a genuine difference to people's lives by representing those who might otherwise not have a voice.

Reasons for Undertaking Sustainability Measures

Maurice Blackburn wanted to create a more sustainable business and reduce its carbon footprint. The firm also wanted to closely monitor the results of its sustainability efforts.

To achieve this, Maurice Blackburn engaged Pangolin Associates to help deliver three key objectives:

• Implement an Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Undertake an annual carbon footprint assessment (greenhouse gas assessment) with the goal of becoming carbon neutral.
• Offset greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase and retirement of certified carbon credits.

Setting a Policy for Environmental Excellence

As part of the EMS, Maurice Blackburn developed an Environmental Management Policy. The policy articulates the firm's commitment to protecting the environment. It also establishes guidelines for sustainable practices across the business and encourages staff compliance.

The policy incorporates comprehensive carbon assessments of operations nationally to:

• Focus on emissions reduction strategies.
• Provide a benchmark for measuring progress.
• Facilitate carbon offsetting.

The policy also includes:

• Educating staff.
• Conserving energy and water.
• Reducing waste.
• Implementing environmentally responsible building refurbishments.
• Supporting sustainable decision-making, including purchasing and supplier selection.
• Procuring consumable products from environmentally and socially responsible sources.
• Recycling used computers.
• Reducing paper consumption.
• Facilitating and promoting greener commuting choices.

Sustainability Achievements

Lower Costs and More Accurate Monitoring

Maurice Blackburn has reduced its expenditure on electricity and water. Through Pangolin Associates' greenhouse gas assessments, the firm also monitors its emissions more accurately, tracking electricity, water, waste to landfill, telecommunications, internet usage and other operational impacts.

Carbon Neutrality

Maurice Blackburn has maintained carbon neutrality for more than 15 years. The firm achieved this by:

• Measuring emissions through annual greenhouse gas assessments.
• Implementing initiatives to reduce emissions.
• Offsetting remaining emissions through the purchase and retirement of certified carbon credits.

Sustainability Initiatives

Energy and Water Conservation

Maurice Blackburn has implemented a range of energy-saving measures. For example, offices feature sensor lighting and blackout blinds on north-facing windows. Dual-flush toilets have also been installed to reduce water consumption.

Recycling

The firm has reduced waste sent to landfill through secure and non-secure paper recycling programs, as well as recycling glass and plastics.

Printing

Updated equipment has helped reduce paper consumption. Printers track usage and operate through a secure printing system. Employees must scan a card at the printer to release print jobs. Unnecessary jobs can be deleted, and unclaimed jobs are automatically removed from the system after 70 hours. Duplex printing is standard across the business.

Stationery Supplies and Advertising

Offices stock environmentally preferable stationery and marketing materials, including paper with 90% recycled content.

Fit-outs and Purchases

Environmentally responsible purchases include sustainably sourced office furniture, carpet, lighting and a robust recycling system for coffee pods.

Staff Commutes

Maurice Blackburn undertook Pangolin's Climate Change and Employee Commute Survey as part of its carbon footprint assessment and now measures the impact of employee commuting. A bicycle users group also encourages environmentally responsible travel choices.

Staff Travel and Freight

Maurice Blackburn has reduced business travel where possible. The firm also monitors freight activities and seeks environmentally responsible transport options. Future sustainability initiatives include improving reporting accuracy and continuing staff education focused on actions individuals can take to reduce environmental impacts.

Awards for Environmental Responsibility

To encourage a team-based approach to sustainability, Maurice Blackburn recognises the office with the lowest carbon emissions each year and presents an award at its annual function. The firm operates a total of 34 offices nationwide.