Sustainability Commitment

Miller Thomson created its National Environmental Sustainability Committee (NESC) to review the environmental impact of the firm. The NESC includes 13 lawyers, technical and human resources staff who meet monthly. Its goal is to enhance the value and reputation of Miller Thomson by taking steps to increase environmental awareness and foster sustainable approaches in our activities. To accomplish this, the NESC is committed to:

1. Assessing the current environmental footprint of Miller Thomson, using available tools, at the national, regional and office levels.
2. Identifying existing measures and, where necessary and feasible, implementing new measures that reduce the negative, and maximize the positive, environmental effects of our activities.
3. Taking steps to encourage all members of the firm, clients and suppliers to pursue their activities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
4. Promoting and profiling Miller Thomson as an environmentally responsible law firm.
5. Establishing mechanisms to measure and report changes in Miller Thomson’s practices.
6. Identifying and supporting events and causes benefiting environmental sustainability.

The following is a summary of our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact.

Environmental Footprinting

We are in the process of working with a carbon footprinting consultant to review and calculate our carbon emissions and environmental footprint. This will allow us to track our success. The final report will itemize our carbon inventory and provide global strategies to reduce waste and emissions further in the future. We will also have access to software allowing us to assess the financial and environmental benefits of making changes to our business operations. This review is essential to our long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral.

Reduced Bottled Water Usage

We largely eliminated bottled water usage in all offices in the fall of 2008. Bottled water has been replaced with stainless-steel jugs and glasses for lawyers, staff and clients. We still offer bottled water for clients when specifically requested, but this program has served to reduce the use of over 50,000 bottles per year.

Double-sided Printing

Starting in 2010, we are implementing a program to make double-sided printing the default option in all offices. Double-sided printing significantly reduces the volume of paper waste, and general wear-and-tear on equipment.

Electronic Faxing

In 2008, we conducted an electronic faxing pilot project. In 2009, we mandated that all incoming faxes be delivered to our computers electronically. This initiative is prompted, in part, by a general trend in declining fax volume and an increase in the preferred alternative of emailing scanned documents. This will reduce paper waste and eventually reduce the number of fax machines required in our offices.

Recycling and Composting

We are now reviewing the varying level of recycling efforts in all offices to bring recycling efforts to the same level across Canada. At least one of our offices already composts organic waste.

Reuse Office Supplies and Used Computer Equipment

All mailrooms use reusable envelopes internally, and recycle binders and reusable office supplies. Safe disposal of obsolete computer equipment is handled by the supplier of that equipment as part of our lease arrangements.

Recycling Batteries

Most of our offices collect small batteries from home and in the office, and deliver them to the landlord to safely dispose of as part of its recycling program.

Electronic Greeting Cards

In 2009, we implemented an electronic greeting card program for clients during the holiday season. Individuals still have an option to send a paper card with a handwritten note, but this is the exception not the rule.

Reusable Mugs Not Plastic Cups

We supply reusable mugs to all lawyers and staff. Most offices do not use paper cups and, while eliminating our usage may not result in significant cost savings, it does result in significant savings to the environment.

Plastic Utensils and Paper Plates

All offices have replaced plastic utensils and paper plates with steel utensils and ceramic plates.

Participation in Green Events

We support and encourage participation in corporate commuter challenges and other environmentally-friendly events. We participated in several such events, including the 2009 EarthRun, and have a subcommittee in place to facilitate nationwide participation in upcoming corporate commuter challenges.

Monitors, Printer, and Copiers

All lawyers and staff are asked to power off computers when they leave at night to save on energy. All our printers and copiers have a “snooze” feature that is activated when they are not being used. All offices use copy machines that are able to print and scan —reducing the office equipment required and our effect on the environment.

If you require additional information, please contact the Chair of the NESC, Sarah Hansen, at shansen@millerthomson.com.