Miller Thomson LLP
1000-840 Howe St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2M1
Tel: 604 687 2242
Toll Free: 1 800 794 6866
Fax: 604 643 1200
Email: vancouver@millerthomson.com
WebSite: www.millerthomson.com

National Environmental Sustainability Committee (NESC)
Miller Thomson LLP created the NESC to review the environmental impact of their firm. The NESC is comprised of 14 lawyers, technical and human resources staff who meet on a monthly basis. The following is a summary of their on-going efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

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

Reduced Bottled Water Usage
Miller Thomson LLP next to eliminated bottled water usage in all of their offices in the fall of 2008. Bottled water has been replaced with stainless steel jugs and glasses for lawyers, staff and clients. They 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 they will implement a program making double-sided printing the default option in all of their offices. Double-sided printing significantly reduces the volume of paper waste and the general wear and tear on equipment.

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

Recycling and Composting
They are currently reviewing the varying level of recycling efforts in their offices to bring all of their offices recycling to the same level across Canada. At least one of their offices already composts all organic waste.

Reuse Office Supplies and Used Computer Equipment
All of mail rooms use reusable envelopes internally and recycle all binders and reusable office supplies. Safe disposal of obsolete computer equipment is handled by the supplier of that equipment as part of their lease arrangements.

Recycling Batteries
Most of their offices collect small batteries from home and in the office and deliver them to the landlord to safely dispose of as part of the landlord’s recycling program.

Electronic Greeting Cards
In 2009, Miller Thomson LLP implemented an electronic greeting card program for sending greeting cards to clients. Individuals have the option of sending a paper card with a handwritten note, but this is the exception not the rule.

Reusable Mugs Not Plastic Cups
They supply reusable mugs to all lawyers and staff. Most offices do not use paper cups and while eliminating their usage may not result in significant cost savings, it does result in significant savings to the environment.

Plastic Utensils and Paper Plates
All of their offices replaced plastic utensils and paper plates with steel utensils and ceramic plates. They work to encourage the elimination plastic utensils and paper plates in all Miller Thomson LLP offices.

Participation in Green Events
Miller Thomson LLP supports and encourages participation in corporate commuter challenges and other environmentally friendly events. They participated in environmentally friendly events including the 2009 EarthRun and have a sub-committee in place to facilitate nation-wide participation in upcoming corporate commuter challenges.

Monitors, Printer and Copiers
All lawyers and staff are asked to shut down and power off their computers when they leave at night to save on energy. All printers and copies are installed with a snooze feature when they are not being used. All offices employ copy machines that are also able to print and scan thereby reducing the number of pieces of equipment required and their impact on the environment.

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

[posted January 11, 2010]