Sustainability

Our Approach to Sustainability

NZIAC has a well-developed Environmental Sustainability Policy, setting out ways in which our services can be conducted to minimise their carbon footprint.

Some key parts of the policy relating to the conduct of our services include:

• using electronic communications and correspondence over paper form, unless deemed strictly necessary;
• using video or telephone conferencing for case management conferences and hearings where deemed appropriate and acceptable by parties;
• using our bespoke case management platform for receipt, management and organisation of materials; and
• maintaining electronic case files instead of hard copy files.

More specifically, in relation to the conduct of arbitrations, since 2018, the NZIAC Arbitration Rules have made provision for case management and hearings to be conducted remotely using technology to enable alignment with these environmental sustainability goals. It is pleasing to see that green practice is now becoming more widely accepted as the hallmark for responsible conduct of arbitration proceedings domestically and internationally.

Environmental Sustainability Policy

Policy Statement

NZIAC recognises that business can harm the environment. We are committed to finding ways to reduce the impact of our work both in the office and in the broader communities we serve.

Objective

This policy aims to outline the principles and processes that underpin NZIAC’s commitment to and demonstration of environmental sustainability concerning its activities, operations, and premises.

Principles

NZIAC is committed to:

• the sustainability of our environment, economy and society;
• contributing to solutions to critical economic, societal and environmental problems; and
• makings its workplaces exemplars of good environmental practice.

NZIAC recognises its responsibility to manage the environmental impacts of its activities and is committed to:

• the integration of its environmental sustainability commitment throughout all dimensions of its activities;
• demonstrating leadership locally, nationally and internationally through its sustainability practices;
• implementing environmentally sustainable practices throughout its operations; and
• meaningful partnerships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi, which recognise the role of Māori as kaitiaki of New Zealand’s natural environment.

Practice

NZIAC’s commitment to environmental sustainability will by taking actions to:

• comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and requirements;
• recycle all waste material produced;
• avoid the use of paper wherever possible;
• avoid the use of postal services, saving on transportation and paper. For example, emailing documents and other written communications where possible;
• recycle equipment that is no longer in use via the RCN e-cycle program;
• use the EECA energy management strategy. For example, making use of low energy light bulbs throughout and using schedules to ensure computers and lights are turned off after work;
• reuse waste paper (from the printer) where possible, making use of the blank side for notes etc;
• make use of recycling schemes by the printer manufacturers (to recycle toner cartridges and drums);
• purchase products made with recycled paper;
• purchase products with a lower environmental impact; and
• avoid unnecessary travel by making use of instant messaging, video and audio conferencing, telephone and email to reduce our carbon footprint.

NZIAC aims to regularly review the Environmental Sustainability Policy and seek to reduce the Company’s impact each and every year.