Allens Linklaters
Allens is a leading international law firm with operations in Australia and Asia. Through a global alliance with Linklaters, the firm connects clients with an international network that spans 40 offices in 28 locations. Our carbon neutral certification applies to our Australian offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.
"...our carbon neutral certification enables us to clearly demonstrate compliance with the sustainable supply chain expectations of our clients..."
Type of certification
Organisation.
How long have you been certified carbon neutral?
Since December 2014.
Why are you carbon neutral?
Allens is committed to reducing the climate change impacts of its operations. After working for many years to reduce the firm's carbon emissions, we decided that the next logical step was to take responsibility for our residual emissions by becoming carbon neutral.
What are the benefits of your carbon neutral certification?
Maintaining carbon neutral certification through Climate Active enables the firm to demonstrate a genuine commitment to climate action in line with rigorous and credible standards. It is also a source of pride for our people and provides a platform for engagement including through volunteering and educational sessions relating to climate change science and carbon markets. As an ancillary benefit, our carbon neutral certification enables us to clearly demonstrate compliance with the sustainable supply chain expectations of our clients.
What offset projects do you support?
We invest in projects in Australia and around the world that provide economic, social and environmental co-benefits as well as reducing carbon emissions. In FY19 we invested in Indigenous carbon farming projects in the Northern Territory, conservation and reforestation projects in Papua New Guinea and Queensland, and wind power projects in Vietnam and India.
Why did you choose these projects?
Where possible, Allens seeks to invest in carbon offset projects with co-benefits that align with the firm's community engagement objectives. For example, Allens has a strong commitment to reconciliation and in Australia we prioritise investment in Indigenous fire abatement projects. These projects not only have significant climate benefits, they also deliver additional social and environmental outcomes for local communities by reinvigorating cultural traditions, providing employment opportunities and protecting biodiversity and sacred sites. We also have offices in Papua New Guinea and Vietnam and see value in supporting projects in those jurisdictions in which we operate.
What else are you doing to reduce emissions?
Actions to reduce the firm's emissions have included improving operational efficiency, investing in technological innovation, reducing waste and educating and engaging our people to reduce work-related emissions.
What has been the impact of your action?
The overall emissions of our Australian operations have reduced by more than 30% since our base year (1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014).
What advice would you give to a business considering certification?
For businesses considering carbon neutral certification, our advice is to seek and act on opportunities to network, share knowledge and collaborate with like-minded organisations.
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