Environmental awareness and the commitment to contribute to the economic development of society are elements that are integrated into Santroni Parsons’ daily operations, forming part of its corporate social responsibility. To this end, the firm firmly undertakes the commitment to implement the management of the environmental aspects of its operations that could negatively impact the environment, and consequently establishes this environmental policy, which applies to all aspects of the firm’s operations and is based on the following principles:
- Know, comply with, and respect the environmental laws, regulations, and provisions currently in force in the Dominican Republic, as well as internationally recognized good practice recommendations.
- Use natural resources, raw materials, and energy consumed in the provision of our services efficiently.
- Promote regulatory initiatives related to environmental preservation.
- Implement and maintain an Environmental Management System that improves our environmental performance and conduct periodic evaluations.
- Establish measurable environmental objectives.
- Encourage suppliers and collaborators to implement good environmental practices, adopting the commitments established in this Policy and in the guidelines of our Environmental Management System, while promoting its dissemination.
The environmental policy will also involve the consideration of the following aspects or areas:
EDUCATION: Considering that each action carried out by the members of the firm will contribute to the successful implementation of this policy, it includes training for all staff members on sustainability matters. Additionally, improvement initiatives proposed by the members of the firm will be considered.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE: A person will be appointed as Sustainability Coordinator, who will be supported by the Sustainability Committee, composed of a partner and a staff member. The Coordinator will organize the environmental team and will be responsible for providing appropriate environmental and sustainability training to the firm’s employees. The Committee will meet periodically in order to evaluate and establish best practices.
SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT: The firm will carry out sustainable purchasing practices for all supplies, equipment, and services required. Examples of sustainable criteria include the acquisition of recyclable and biodegradable products that promote waste minimization, are free of hazardous or toxic chemicals, ensure energy savings and resource conservation, and have been locally produced and are organic. Likewise:
- Paper products must contain a high percentage of recycled paper.
- Reams of paper must be made from recycled paper.
- All of the firm’s equipment (photocopiers, printers, computers, etc.) must be energy-efficient (Energy Star models).
- Coffee, juices, and other products must be locally sourced and organic.
- The selection of suppliers that demonstrate sustainable practices will be promoted.
WASTE: The minimization of paper usage will be prioritized in all aspects, whether for printing, copying, external communications, or filing purposes. The system will include measures to minimize packaging of all kinds, reuse equipment and supplies whenever possible, and maximize the recycling of all products. In this regard, practices based on the principle of the 3 Rs — REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE — will be implemented.
REDUCE
- Documents will be reviewed online or on computer screens. Documents and emails will only be printed when strictly necessary for delivery to the client.
- When document printing is required, printing or copying on both sides of the sheet will be encouraged, and the “double-sided” printing configuration will be implemented on all firm printers.
- Document margins will be set as narrow as possible.
- The circulation of documents within the firm will be carried out via email.
- The scanning of relevant documents is mandatory.
- All types of practices aimed at achieving a “Paperless Office” will be promoted.
- The use of disposable or single-use materials or containers, such as foam, plastic bottles in general, soft drink bottles, etc., is prohibited.
- Greetings and general communications will be sent electronically.
- Emails will include the following footer: “Please consider the environment before printing this document.”
REUSE
- Whenever possible, the reuse of paper and office products will be promoted.
- The reuse of paper printed on only one side will be encouraged.
- The reuse of envelopes and packaging materials will be promoted.
- Only ceramic tableware and glass cups will be used, and the use of disposable materials is prohibited.
- All outdated equipment will be donated to educational institutions or non-governmental organizations.
RECYCLE
- Paper considered waste will be recycled through the engagement of a waste management company for its collection and final disposal.
- For all of the firm’s brochures, invoices, and service proposals, only recycled paper will be used.
ENERGY: The conservation and efficient use of energy will be promoted, both in terms of climate control systems and electronic equipment and lighting. Likewise:
- It is mandatory to turn off equipment and lights that are not in use.
- Natural light will be utilized as much as possible, avoiding the unnecessary use of artificial lighting.
TRAVEL: The minimization of transportation use in general will be promoted through the implementation of the following measures:
- Shared use of vehicles for trips where possible.
- Use of teleconferencing as a replacement for in-person meetings.
- Selection of strategies to reduce the impact of travel, including fuel efficiency measures and carbon emission offsetting.
OTHER:
- The firm actively participates in environmental awareness programs.
- Client education is encouraged as part of the decision-making process.
IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW: The members of the firm will implement this policy.
Santroni Parsons wishes to convey the importance of properly understanding, implementing, and annually updating this Policy at all levels and functions of our organization, and commits to providing the necessary resources for its proper development and implementation.
Romina
Santroni
Partner – Sustainability Committee July 26, 2019
