Annual Report 2008-09 - Legal Services Commissioner

Chapter SEVEN
Governance
2008-09 Targets
In the 2008 annual report, the Legal Services Commissioner
set itself a target of identifying the areas where energy
savings could be made throughout the office and to make
those savings. To address this target, during the reporting
year the not-for-profit company, Green Connect, was
engaged to conduct an energy audit of the entire office
space used by the Commissioner’s employees. As at 30 June
2009 the final report and its recommendations was yet to be
delivered to the Legal Services Commissioner.
The Legal Services Commissioner continues to endorse
a ‘lights-off’ policy, which is generally adhered to by all
staff. The office also uses energy efficient lighting where
possible. In addition the Commissioner endorses turning off
electronic equipment when not in use, including computers
and printers.
2009-10 Targets
To implement appropriate energy savings throughout the
office where possible based on the results of the energy
audit.
To purchase a minimum of 10% green power for office
requirements.
Waste generation
The Legal Services Commissioner undertakes an annual
assessment of all waste streams. This assessment has
identified a 29% reduction in the total volume of waste
sent to landfill in 2008-09 compared with 2007-08,
demonstrating the Legal Services Commissioner’s ongoing
commitment to reducing waste generation and improving
office recycling practices.
This significant result was achieved through:
• the reduction in the number of individual staff bins
making staff more aware of their waste generation
• the institution of a new policy of double sided
printing for all printers and copiers with the capability,
significantly reducing the volume of paper entering
the waste stream, and
• the implementation of a new e-waste recycling
program to recycle small computer components
and peripherals, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, used
printer cartridges, rechargeable batteries, old mobile
telephones and their batteries.
The reduction in waste sent to landfill was achieved despite
the Legal Services Commissioner having limited waste
management facilities available through the existing office
tenancy agreement. The lease allows for the removal of
general waste only. Discussions are ongoing with building
management to obtain a more expansive recycling service
for general waste, however this facility is still not available to
the premises.
All paper waste continues to be managed through a secure
paper recycling contractor due to the confidential nature of
the work of the Legal Services Commissioner.
2008-09 Target
The Legal Services Commissioner committed to increasing
the office’s recycling of waste and reducing the level
of waste generated. The reduction of waste to landfill
demonstrates significant ongoing adherence towards the
achievement of this target.
2009-10 Target
To reduce waste generation by a further 20% by 2011.
Paper consumption
The below figures show an increase in paper consumption
as at 30 June 2009. This increase is due to a broad range
of factors:
• The paper requirements of the Legal Services
Commissioner’s complaints handling activities
are highly variable and dependent on individual
complaints.
• The Legal Services Commissioner increased its
education and outreach activities throughout 2008-09
which necessarily involved the production of larger
numbers of information packages, workshop materials
and reports.
• Staff whose role is to support the Legal Services Board
distributed an extensive 40 page self assessment
audit survey to approximately 600 incorporated legal
practices in 2008-09.
The reduction in purchase of 75-100% recycled content
paper, and the increase in the figures for 0-50% recycled
paper content as reported below is the result of the supplier
changing the information on recycled content for the same
product listing.
56 Legal Services COMMISSIONER 2009 Annual Report