Sustainability 101

What sustainability initiatives have you implemented to improve recycling outcomes?

Recycling is an important and visible way to demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability and it's an ongoing work in progress to keep it top of mind. With help from our Sustainability Committee members, we challenge ourselves to find positive and engaging ways to promote reuse and recycling, including the use of simple and light-hearted messaging and occasional 'pop-up' recycling stations, such as blister pack and pen recycling collections. We have also found that interactive opportunities such as volunteering with food rescue charity FareShare and clothing donation drives for Fitted for Work have been great ways to raise awareness of recycling and reuse, and to engage and inspire staff.

We understand that your tenancy is undergoing some renovations. What are some recycling initiatives that have been implemented in connection with the refurbishment project?

Waste reduction and recycling have been important considerations throughout the design and construction phases of our Melbourne office refurbishment project. One of my favourite initiatives was our partnership with Green Collect during our pre-refurbishment clearing process. Green Collect is a certified social enterprise that supports reuse and recycling outcomes, and creates employment and training pathways for people who have experienced disadvantage and barriers to employment. It was great to work with them to find innovative recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle office supplies such as old lever arch folders and stationery, and to find a second life for our old law books as theatre and event props.

What is your role at Allens and what is the approach to sustainability at Allens?

At Allens, I am part of the firm's Community Engagement team and manage our sustainability and responsible sourcing program. Allens has a long-held commitment to reducing its impacts on the environment. A really important part of our approach to environmental sustainability has been the engagement and involvement of our people, and our sustainability strategy and targets are supported by a network of Sustainability Committee members and volunteers.