Working collaboratively to promote sustainable practice across the legal sector

Environmental Management System

AEMS

Membership of AusLSA and participation in AusLSA Reporting can be used to communicate with clients, like those in the finance sector, that your firm has a strong commitment to sustainability. But increasingly clients are asking their suppliers go further and implement an Environmental Management System (EMS).

An EMS is an internationally recognised management tool that identifies and manages environmental impacts.

To help law firms meet the expectations of clients, AusLSA has developed an EMS framework, that is rigorous, but also appropriate for the environmental risks of legal practice.

Questions from the Westpac SSCM questionnaire

AEMS

tailored for the legal sector,
simple and easy to implement,
provides templates and guidance, and
recognised across the finance sector.

AEMS builds on existing AusLSA resources, such as the AusLSA Environmental Reporting Tool, to comprise a robust and credible EMS.

See below for costs.

AEMS Certification

AEMS also includes an option to have your EMS reviewed, with effective implementation recognised by an award of certification by AusLSA.

Currently Certified Firms

Clayton Utz - Certified - June 2015
Allen Linklaters - Certified July 2015
Gilbert and Tobin - Certified September 2015
King & Wood Mallesons - Certified on December 2015

AEMS Extension

AEMS has been designed to allow the addition of new tiers and modules which might include:

More detailed EMS criteria
Supply chain engagement
Monitoring and managing social impacts

These extensions will be developed in line with the broadening AusLSA agenda and member interests.

Cost	AusLSA Members (26+ Legal Prof.)	AusLSA Members (1 - 25 Legal Prof.)	Non-Members
Initial program subscription	Free	Free	$3500.00
Certification (biennial)	$1000.00	$500.00	$1500.00
Total	$1000.00 + GST	$500.00 + GST	$5000.00 + GST

Sustainability in finance sector procurement

Westpac - Sustainability in Action	ANZ - Supplier code of practice
Westpac's program of Sustainability in Action includes commitments to: Screen suppliers for their performance in social, ethical and environmental issues management Set minimum performance standards Monitor compliance with sustainability requirements and statements of compliance, and Terminate business relationships if performance remains below standard.	ANZ's Supplier Code of Practice outlines their expectations of all suppliers environmental management including: Environmental Management Systems, integration of environmental management principles, effective reporting and continuous improvement.

NAB - Dig Deeper	CBA - Responsible Procurement
NAB's 'Dig Deeper' Report on their supply chain, states: "In 2014 supplier selection criteria in Australia will be expanded to include...a weighting for sustainability in our evaluation matrix."	Sustainable Business Practices - Ensuring our suppliers are assessed and selected on criteria such as... environmental performance;