Download - Adams & Adams Sustainability Report 2015
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 ADAMS & ADAMS1
ATTORNEYSPatent | Trade Mark | Copyright | Design | Commercial | Property | Litigation
www.adamsadams.com
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTFEBRUARY 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL
SOCIAL
CULTURAL
ECONOMIC
1 CONTENTS1
pg 2
pg 4
pg 6
pg 7
pg 10
pg 15
pg 16
pg 19
pg 19
pg 20
1. SUSTAINABILITY AT ADAMS & ADAMS
1.1 Chairperson’s Statement 1.2 The Cornerstones of Adams & Adams’ Sustainability 1.3 Our Approach to Sustainability 1.3.1 Economic Impact 1.3.2 Governance, Ethics and Compliance 1.3.3 Employees 1.3.4 Environment, Health & Safety 1.3.5 Corporate Social Responsibility
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT
2.1 Corporate Overview 2.2 Awards & Recognition 2.3 Milestones 2.4 Affiliations&Memberships
3. GOVERNANCE, ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE
3.1 Corporate Governance 3.2 Ethics & Compliance
4. EMPLOYEES
4.1 Talent Management 4.2 Compensation&Benefits 4.3 Employee Engagement 4.4 Diversity 4.5 Work/Life Balance 4.6 Health & Safety Performance
5. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
5.1 Overview 5.2 Building Design & Construction 5.3 Carbon Footprint 5.4 Waste Management 5.5 Water Management 5.6 Energy Management 5.7 Transport
6. SUPPLY CHAIN
6.1 Supplier Management 6.2 Supplier Diversity
7. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
7.1 Donations, Scholarships and Sponsorships 7.2 Employee Volunteering
8. SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE B
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 ADAMS & ADAMS
FIND EFFICIENCIES
ECONOMIC
2 SUSTAINABILITY AT ADAMS & ADAMS
1. SUSTAINABILITY AT ADAMS & ADAMS
1.1 CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT As the corporate world becomes increasingly conscious of the need
for sustainable practices, I am proud to note how Adams & Adams remains at the forefront of this development in the legal industry. Our commitment towards energy and water conservation, and the ongoing implementation of responsible business practices, ensure that we minimise our negative impact on the environment. Seeking the advancement of our people also remains a top priority at thefirmandisactivelypursued.
GÉRARD DU PLESSIS July 2015
1.2 THE CORNERSTONES OF ADAMS & ADAMS’ SUSTAINABILITY
SOCIAL
CULTURAL
PREVENT HARM
ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECT ASSETS
ENHANCE LOCAL COMMUNITIES
RESPECT OTHERS
PROTECT HEALTH & WELLBEING
CONSERVE
CREATE VALUEMAINTAIN DIVERSITY
RESPECT
SHARING
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 ADAMS & ADAMS3 ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 SUSTAINABILITY AT ADAMS & ADAMS
1.3 OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Adams & Adams follows an integrated approach to sustainability andfocusesonthefollowingspecificareastowardsthisend:
1.3.1 ECONOMIC IMPACT Westrivetouseallourfinancialresourcesresponsiblytoensure
continued success.
1.3.2 GOVERNANCE, ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE We strive to operate in an ethical manner and in accordance
withthelawsandregulationsthatapplytoourfirm’soperations.
1.3.3 EMPLOYEES We strive to provide an excellent workplace for employees
by ensuring that it is healthy and safe through the provision, for example, of fresh air and natural light. We assess and develop talentwithinthefirmandcreateequalopportunities.Wearecommitted to promote a healthy work/life balance.
1.3.4 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY We strive to reduce our environmental impact and to ensure
health and safety of staff and clients.
1.3.5 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY We strive to provide volunteers, donations and sponsorships
to our community and in so doing, help it prosper.
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 ECONOMIC IMPACT4
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT
2.1 CORPORATE OVERVIEW Adams&Adamsisalawfirmwith67partnersandafurther
complement of over 174 experienced attorneys and candidate attorneys. The overall permanent employee count for the 2015 financialyearwas582.TheattorneysatAdams&Adamsspecialiseinvariousfieldsoflawincludingintellectualproperty,commercial,civillitigationandpropertylaw.ThefirmcomprisesaheadofficeinPretoriawithbranchesandassociateofficesinDurban,CapeTown,Johannesburg,Mozambique,Angola,Tanzania,Burundi,Zanzibar,Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, ARIPO, OAPI, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. This report only deals with the South African officesofthefirm.
2.2 AWARDS & RECOGNITION In the 2015 reporting period, Adams & Adams received 13 awards,
ranging from the best Patent Practitioners Law Firm of the Year, as well as the Trade Marks Firm of the Year, both awarded by the Intercontinental Finance Magazine.
Received the Best IP Firm in Africa at MIP.
Aspecialmentionneedstobemadeofthefactthatthefirmwasawarded the prestigious Managing Intellectual Property award for South African IP Firm of the Year 2014. This award is recognised as the expression of the global IP industry.
Thefirmhasgaineduniqueandunrivalledexperiencethatenablesit consistently to provide its international and local clients with qualityservicesandadviceinthefieldofintellectualpropertylawandotherfields.
174 EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS AND CANDIDATE ATTORNEYS
BEST IP FIRM IN AFRICA AT MIP
67 PARTNERS 13 AWARDS
582 Employees
FOR THE 2015 REPORTING PERIOD
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 20155 ECONOMIC IMPACT
2.3 MILESTONES Adams&Adams’milestonesforthereportingperiodinclude:
a. Adams & Adams continued with another three year agreement to be the legal advisor and associate sponsor to the Design Indaba, a well known initiative whereby designers are given a platform to create a better future through design and creativity.
b. Adams & Adams further supports the creative industry by continuingtosponsortheLoeriesandactsasitsofficiallegaladvisor.
c.Withisdiversepartnerships,thefirmhasbecomeintegraltotheconcept of shared value in the arts sector as is evidenced by the firmwinningtheBASAawardintheSponsorshipinKindcategory.
d.Asof1April2014,thefirmopenedtwomoreofficesinGhanaand the other in Nigeria, and continues to expand its reach into African territories.
2.4 AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Adams & Adams is regularly represented at meetings
and conferences of all the major intellectual property and commercial organisations throughout the world. Adams & Adams is also a member of a large number of legal associations, organisationsandinstitutes,asreflectedintheSchedulemarkedA.
SPONSOR
DESIGN INDABA
GHANA NIGERIA
NEW OFFICES OPENED
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 GOVERNANCE, ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE6
3. GOVERNANCE, ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE
3.1 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Ourfirmhasamanagementstructureconsistingofachairperson,
a 7 person management committee, and 67 partners. Its employees are managed in a vertical structure and there is participation in the decision-making process at a senior level. A number of committees provide strategic and operational direction in a range of business areas such as information technology, human capital, and marketing.
3.2 ETHICS & COMPLIANCE Ourfirmfunctionsethicallyandadherestoapplicablelawsand
firmpolicies.Alistofthefirm’spoliciesisincludedintheSchedulemarkedB.Thefirmworkedinthereportingyeartowardsadoptinga Sustainability Procurement Policy, as well as a Green Cleaning Policy, in line with our sustainability objectives.
ThefirmacknowledgesKingIIIReportingprinciples,butlimitedfinancialinformationisdisclosedasAdams&Adamsisnotapublic company.
7 PERSON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
67 PARTNERS
CHAIRPERSON
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 20157 EMPLOYEES
4. EMPLOYEES
4.1 TALENT MANAGEMENT We align individual and corporate goals, conduct human capital
planning,andassessanddeveloptalentwithinthefirm.Promotionsare effected regularly in line with performance and training programmes are offered through in-house graduate programmes, a secretarial training centre on the premises, and external trainers, e.g. SAIIPL (South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law). Members of staff are provided the opportunity to train each other aswellasstudentsfromvariousuniversitiesbywayofthefirm’svacation work programme.
InFebruarythefirmemployedfivelearnerswithdisabilitiesaspermanent support staff members. This was after they had completed the Business Administration NQF Level 3 and 4 learnership programmes, which are aimed at giving them the technical and life skills to integrate effectively in the workplace.
We continue to facilitate a structured mentorship programme which enhances sustainability in the professional workspace.
4.2 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Ourfirmstrivestopaycompetitiveremunerationbasedonmarket
data,businessconditions,andfirmobjectives.
4.3 EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Thefirmengageswithemployeesonbothprofessionalandpersonal
levels. On a professional basis, inter colleague assistance and guidance is promoted and all professional staff are encouraged tomanifestanopen-doorpolicy.Thefirmfrequentlyarrangesrecreational events which include year-end lunches, cocktail parties andotherofficefunctions.
Thefirmalsointeractswithemployeesthroughaninternalnewsletterwhichiscirculatedquarterlyandreportsonthefirm’scorporatesocial responsibility projects, recognises deserving employees, raises awareness by addressing sustainability related topics and reports on marketing efforts.
3&4 learnership programme
NQF LEVEL
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 20158 EMPLOYEES
ThefirmalsohasastaffrestaurantinitsPretoriaheadofficewhich has all-day facilities available for staff to purchase good, wholesome meals and snacks throughout the day. These are freshly madewithqualityingredients.
A wellness programme which aims to educate staff on issues such as HIV awareness, nutrition, exercise etc. has been operational for two years. Part of this process is the partnering with Discovery Health to hold regular wellness health check days where staff can have their eyes / cholesterol / blood sugar / HIV status tested. Also available on these days are biokinetic and nutrition advice. Thefirmalsoencouragesandarrangesblooddonationdrivesandannualfluinjections.Inaddition,weeklyreflexologysessionsare made available to all staff.
4.4 DIVERSITY Ourfirmiscommittedtocreatinganequalopportunity
environment. Most employees are sourced from local communities. Thefirmisproudthatoverathreeyearperiod,itimproveditsB-BBEEscore from a Level 6 to a Level 3. We are committed to this process and will strive to retain and improve this score over time.
4.5 WORK/LIFE BALANCE We have programmes in place to assist our employees in living
a balanced work and family life, including the use of educational programmes and alternative work arrangements. We also encourage employees to participate in various sporting activities by contributing to the expenses occasioned by the employees’ individual sporting needs.
WELLNESS PROGRAMME
HIV awareness
Nutrition awareness
Exercise awareness
Health check days
Blood donations
3B-BBEELEVEL
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 20159 EMPLOYEES
4.6 HEALTH & SAFETY ThefourbuildingsinSouthAfricathataccommodatethefirm’s
headofficeandbranchofficesareallsmokefree.Inallfourcases,the carpets and tiles installed are environmentally friendly and carry a green rating. The walls are painted with water based, low VOC (volatile organic carbons) paint. VOC’s are organic chemicals released at room temperature, usually found in odours and scents, and are harmful to human health and the environment. See – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound.
All photocopying and printing machines are placed together inspeciallydesignatedareaswithsufficientexhaustfacilitiestoallow the VOC and O3 (ozone) emissions to vent to the exterior of the buildings. Ozone in the stratosphere is protective but ozone in the atmosphere and air we breathe is harmful to the respiratory system. For more information on Ozone, please visit the United States Environmental Protections Agency’s website at the following link – http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html#Introduction
Thefirm’sbranchofficeinJohannesburghasbeenawardeda4 star green star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.Apilotprojectisalsoinplaceforthefirm’sheadofficeinPretoria to achieve a green star rating for operational performance.
Thefirmhassponsoredandarrangedtrainingprogrammestoensure on-premises safety; these include First Aid courses which enable trained staff to perform CPR and other emergency treatmentsifrequired.
Thefirmhasafireplaninplacetoenableefficientandrapidevacuationofstaffintheeventofafire.Firemarshalshavebeenappointedtocheckhydrantsandfireexitsandalsotooverseeevacuation procedures.
Awarded to the JOHANNESBURG
OFFICE
GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
of SA
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201510 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
5. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
5.1 OVERVIEW Conserving the environment and educating our members of
staff on conservation related topics are key priorities at Adams & Adams.Theseformcornerstoneactivitieswithinthefirm.Thefirmhas engaged the expertise of Dr Marco Lotz (Sustainability Carbon Specialist) and Justine Bolton (Director, Bright Green Solutions) to formulatespecificinternalsustainabilityandcarbon-reduction/offsetting programs to be implemented over the next few years.
5.2 BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Green building standards, as set by the Green Building Council
of South Africa (GBCSA), previously only made provision for the certificationofnewbuildings.Itisonthatbasisthatthefirm’sJohannesburgoffice(locatedatAliceLane,Sandton)achieved a 4 green star rating.
A new operational performance tool has recently been launched by GBCSA, which allows for buildings already in existence also to beratedandthefirm’sheadofficeinPretoria(situatedintheLynnwood Bridge Building) was submitted to GBCSA for a green star rating as part of a pilot project to roll out this new tool, with the support and assistance of the landlord, ATTACQ.
Thefollowingfactorsaretakenintoaccountinfirstlyacquiring,andthenmaintaining,agreenstarratingforexistingbuildings:
1.Indoorairquality,lightingcomfort,thermalcomfort,acousticquality,accessibilitytodaylightandabsenceofindoorpollutants;
2. The extent of a building’s energy and water consumption; and
3. The implementation of policies for various sustainability processes, including a green cleaning policy, sustainable procurement policy, and a waste management policy.
Inpursuitofagreenstarratingforthefirm’sLynnwoodBridgebuilding,thefirmwilladoptandimplementpoliciestoimprovethebuilding’s environmental performance, as well as seeking to provide a comfortable indoor environment that promotes health and productivity.
Pretoria Office:
15,665 m2
Johannesburg
Office: 1,345 m2
Cape Town
Office: 791 m2
Durban Office:
322 m2
THE TOTAL LEASED SPACE IS ROUGHLY EQUAL TOTHESIZEOFNEARLY
Adams & Adams currently leases all its properties and occupies the followingspace:
7tennis courts
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE11
5.3 CARBON FOOTPRINT TheSouthAfricanofficespaceidentifiedabovewillbethe
boundaryforthe2015financialyear’scarbonfootprint.Intermsof the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative, emissions attributable to a business are divided into three categories (scopes 1-3). Each category has an emissions counting protocol, with associated formulasusedincalculatingthefirm’sattributablecarbonfootprint.
Emissionscopeexplanatoryimage:(source:ClosetheLoopConsulting & Training http://www.closetheloop.gr/content/carbon-footprint)
In summary, the Adams & Adams carbon footprint for the reporting yearwascalculatedas:
Scope 1: 18 tCO2e (The 2013 – 2014 footprint was 44 tCO2e.) The Scope 1 emissions decreased by 60% mainly due to lower Diesel consumption by the standby generators. It is expected that this will increase in future if more electricity outages occur.
Scope 2: 2,587 tCO2e (In 2013 – 2014 it was 2,430 tCO2e.) Year on year this is a 6% increase mainly due to the increase in occupied space and increased reporting of Adams & Adams. Reduction of electricity consumption remains the primary focus both from a cost savings and environmental point of view. SCOPE 1 SCOPE 2
Decreased by 60%
Increased by 6%
SCOPE 3INDIRECT
Purchased goods and services
Capital goods
Fuel and energy related activities
Transportation and distribution
Purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling for own use
Business travel
Employee commuting
Leased assets
Company facilities
Company vehicles
Processing of solid products
Use of sold products
End-of-life treatment of sold products
Leased assets
Franchises
Investments
Waste generated in operations
Upstream activities Downstream activitiesReporting company
CO2 CH4 N2O HFCS PFCS SF6
SCOPE 2INDIRECT
SCOPE 3INDIRECT
SCOPE 1DIRECT
Transportation and distribution
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201512 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Scope 3: Overall the Scope 3 emissions remained stable with a 1% decrease. This is an excellent achievement considering the increased reporting boundary, an expanding Adams & Adams physical footprint and the sourcing of more accurate data. PaperandflightsremaintheprimaryScope3components. Scope 3 emissions remain overall small at 12% of the total carbon footprint or 355 tCO2e.
The Adams & Adams 2012 – 2013 carbon footprint amounted to 2,967 tCO2e and the 2013 – 2014 footprint was 2,834 tCO2e. For the 2014 – 2015 year the total carbon footprint was calculated as 2,960. The relative stability of the Firm’s carbon footprintisanexcellentachievementasnewofficesandspaceswere included in this report, which reduced savings achieved in otherareas.Theyearonyearcarbonfootprintisillustratedbelow:
Adams & Adams carbon footprint for the years ending February 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
Note 1Thefirm’sScope1emissionsdatafortheyearendingFebruary 2011 was not available when the calculations were made, due to it being in the process of moving premises.
Note 2ThefirmundertookthefollowinginitiativestoreduceitscarbonfootprintinitsnewJohannesburgofficeandcontinuetoenforcetheseinitiativesintheexistingofficeslocatedinPretoria,CapeTownandDurban:
LED energy saving lights
Light motion sensors
Air-conditioner units which are linked to BMS energy demand systems
Close proximity of the Johannesburg, Pretoria andCapeTownofficebuildings to nearest train stations and bus terminals, which facilitates the use of public transport by staff members.
tCO2e Scope 1 Direct GHG (Greenhouse Gas)
tCO2e Scope 2 Indirect GHG (Greenhouse Gas)
tCO2e Scope 3 All other emissions
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Year ending Feb 2012
Year ending Feb 2013
Year ending Feb 2014
Year ending Feb 2015
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201513 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Note 3Thefirmiscommittedtoreducingitsscope3emissions.For this purpose, it purchased new printers with lower energy consumption parameters and installed them with default settings to encourage double-sided printing.
5.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT Similartothepreviousreportingyear,thefirm’sheadofficeis
involved in a recycling programme where cardboard, plastic, polystyrene, glass, cans, light bulbs and tubes are recycled. During 2014 recycling amounted to approximately 4.5 tonnes of material as was the case the year before. There is also a macerator in place for wet contaminated food. The waste sent through the macerator amountsto36000litresforthe2014financialyear.Aspreviously,where applicable, used ink cartridges are sent to a recycling establishment and the funds that are generated through this effort are donated to the Vuka’Uzenzele Primary School.
Thefirm’sbranchoffices,situatedinDurban,CapeTownandJohannesburg, also have arrangements in place with the landlords of the respective buildings in terms of which all paper products are recycled.
Thefirmalsotakespartinaprogrammewherewastepaperiscollected, recycled and the proceeds donated to the SPCA andHospice.Allredundantelectronicequipmentandfurnitureisdonatedtocharities.Thefirmalsotakespartinthe“Don’tWasteManagement” initiative where waste paper is collected and recycled.
5.5 WATER MANAGEMENT Adams & Adams recognizes the critical importance of potable
water as a limited natural resource. With this in mind, the water conservationendeavoursatthefirmfocusonusingthisvaluableresource responsibly. As an example, all irrigation systems are optimized and maintained to reduce water wastage. Other means of saving water are also continuously evaluated. Landscaping is also done with water wise plant being a priority.
During the reporting period, emphasis was placed on monitoring and measuring the water consumption of Adams & Adams. The water use was measured as 19,073 kilolitres. However, through a dedicatedefforttoconservewaterwherepossible,thefirmhasreduced its water consumption to 16,005 kilolitres in the current
R E D U C E D W A T E R
Recyc led 4.5 tonnes
16,005kl=
CONSUMPTION
toOLYMPICSIZEDSWIMMING POOL
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201514 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
reportingperiod.This3,068kilolitrereductioninwaterusageequatestomorethanenoughwatertofillanOlympicsizedswimmingpool.
5.6 ENERGY MANAGEMENT Thefirm’slightingsystemsinallitsSouthAfricanofficesinclude
light motion sensors and makes use of LED energy saving lights throughoutthebuildings.Thefirm’sPretoriaandJohannesburgofficeshavealsobeendesignedsoastoallowamaximumamountof natural light into the building. The air-conditioning system in itsPretoriaandSandtonofficesarelinkedtoaBMS(BuildingManagement System) energy demand system, which means that energy to cool and heat is expended on demand only.
Projects are underway to optimise all air-conditioning, especially in buildings with BMS systems. This will have a positive impact on reduction initiatives over a longer period.
5.7 TRANSPORT Thefirm’sJohannesburgofficeissituated900mfromtheGautrain
station, a minibus taxi rank and Gautrain buses, which enable a significantnumberofemployeestomakeuseofpublictransportandtoreduceautomotivecommuting.Thisofficeisalsosituatedinclose proximity to a gym, as well as shopping facilities, which further reduces the need for excessive motor vehicle trips.
Cape Town’s central train station, bus station and minibus taxi rank areallsituatedwithin850mofthefirm’sCapeTownoffice.Thesefacilities are used by various members of staff in commuting to and fromtheoffice.Furthermore,agymandshoppingfacilitiesarelocatedwithin500mofthisoffice.
Withrespecttothefirm’sDurbanoffice,thenearestbusstopiswithinapproximately1kmfromtheoffice,withthenearesttaxiranklocated within 200m. In a further effort to reduce the need for motor vehicletravelbydifferentindividuals,thisofficeusesanofficevehicle for work related matters.
Thefirm’sPretoriaofficecontinuestoimplementprogrammeswhereby centralised delivery and collection trips are arranged tocourts,registriesandotherofficialofficesinordertoreduceindividualtravel.Thisofficeisintegratedwithcommunityamenitiesto reduce motor vehicle trips, including gyms and shopping centres.
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201515 SUPPLY CHAIN
6. SUPPLY CHAIN
6.1 SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT In2013thefirmimplementedaprogrammetoimposesustainability
and ethical standards on its suppliers to ensure that their policies andpracticesreflectthoseofthefirm.Thisprogrammeisbeingenhancedwithaprocurementpolicythatthefirmisintheprocessof adopting.
6.2 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY Our suppliers are primarily small businesses, local businesses
and black owned businesses, including black female owned businesses.
6.3 COMMUNICATION Thefirmconductsitsbusinessprimarilythroughelectronicmeans
toincreaseefficiencies.Thefirm’sclientsareencouragedtocommunicatewiththefirmviaelectronicmeansonlyandto consider the environment before printing and transporting any documentation.
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201516 COMMUNITY SUPPORT
7. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
7.1 DONATIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPS Thefirmhastakenafarmoreproactiveviewtosocialresponsibility
and upliftment during the 2014 year.
It continues its efforts with a scholarship programme, which has now been running for over 33 years. We currently provide 5 bursaries to students, 2 through the Golden Key programme which involves the top 15% of students within South Africa, and an additional 3 bursariesthatthefirmmanagesinternally.
Inaddition,thefirmalsodevelopsthebusinesslanguageskillsof individuals who show promise and is currently sponsoring English Language communication skills for 2 students with a dedicated language specialist.
Finally,fortheCandidateAttorneysthatareemployedbythefirmonanannualbasis,financialsupportisprovidedtoassisttheminobtaining their drivers licenses, to ensure that they become self sufficientwiththeirtransportneeds.
Scholarships show constant fruition. The scholarship candidates referencedinthefirm’s2012SustainabilityReportarenowintheirfinalyearofLawSchoolandwillbejoiningthefirmascandidateattorneys in the year commencing January 2015.
7.2 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Adams & Adams is now limiting its Corporate Social Investment
(“CSI”)venturestoeffortsthatcanprovetobesustainable.
During2013and2014,thefirmcommittedresourcestopurchasingfarm land and seed to help the Soshanguve community to become sustainable. The farmers provide 10% of their crop to the local school. This project will take up to 3 years to reach full fruition, but weareproudtoannouncethattheprojectsawitsfirstharvestinOctober2014andthefirstbatchwasdeliveredtoBanaBaKgosi.
The firm continues to support Bana Ba Kgosi through the:
Trash4treasure campaign:Thefirm’sstaffhaveopenedtheirhearts to the vulnerable children and orphans of Bana Ba Kgosi in Soshanguve by donating items that they no longer have use for.
5 BURSARIES
LANGUAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR DRIVER’S LICENCES
F I L L E D 4 x 85l BINS
Sincelaunchingthiscampaign,thefirmhassuccessfullyfilledfour 85 litre bins and the donations were handed over to the supervisingsocialworkeratBanaBaKgosi.Thefirmcontinueditssupport for this initiative in 2014.
Decision to supply children on anti-retrovirals with nutritional shakes
With the support from Adams & Adams, Bana Ba Kgosi made a decision to send a nutritional shake to the households in the community with children on anti-retrovirals. Many children were experiencing terrible side effects due to taking anti-retrovirals on an empty stomach. The results have been very positive and children reporting feeling much better on the anti-retroviral medication.
7.3 STAFF CHARITY BanaBaKgosiisthefirm’ssustainablecampaignandtheCSIteam
has pledged support not only for the years 2014 and 2015, but also for the future.
Inadditiontotheexistingsustainableproject,thefirmisapproached almost on a daily basis to help support other initiatives thatrequireemergencyfunding.Itprovidesonce-offpaymentstoprojects that can prove a sustainable future rather than just a once-off payment. Funding for these projects is derived from the Staff Charity – where staff members donate on a monthly basis in order tohelpcharitableevents.Suchprojectsinclude:
Put Foot Rally: http://www.putfootrally.com/za/
This is an 8000+ km social rally organised by the Put Foot Foundation in order to raise a minimum of 600 pairs of shoes. These shoes were delivered to young underprivileged children throughouttherallyroute,whichcoveredNamibia,Zambia,MalawiandMozambique.
Adams & Adams donated R 10 000.
Thefirmhascommitteditselftosupportingtheinitiativeinto2015.
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201517 COMMUNITY SUPPORT
R10,000D O N A T E D
Masixhasane Literacy Project: http://www.masixhasane.co.za/
This NPO approaches large companies and organisations worldwide to sponsor mobile libraries those schools and children most deprived of basic literature. Together they are hoping to create and sustain a love for reading within those communities that have no existing library facilities.
Adams & Adams donated one library with a value of R 90 000 to a school in Garankuwa.
Forever Friends Foundation: www.foreverfriends.org.za
FOREVER FRIENDS FOUNDATION, together with the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT has launched a Life Line Kit Project to assist and ease the pain and trauma of abused and abandoned Children and Babies upon their removal from their homes. The Life LineKitincludeamongstotheritems:Clothes,FootWear,afullrange of toiletries, a towel, face cloth, a book, eats and sweets, and a Soft Toy for comfort. All the items are packed in a Shoulder Bag.
Adams & Adams donated R 1 500 to provide Life Line Kits to three babies.
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 201518 COMMUNITY SUPPORT
R90,000
D O N A T E D L I B R A R Y
VALUED AT
LIFE LINE KITSDONATED 3
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING / SCHEDULE A19
8. SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
Adams & Adams recognises the importance of external sustainability reporting standards to promote relevant, transparent andcomparabledisclosureoffirm’sperformance.Astatementfrom our independent sustainability and carbon specialist, verifying the claims in our sustainability report, can be made available uponrequest.
SCHEDULE A
1.AssociationofCharteredCertifiedAccountants(ACCA)
2. Attorneys Association JOHANNESBURG
3. Attorneys Association PRETORIA
4. Attorneys.co.za
5. Black Lawyers Association (BLA)
6. Black Management Forum (BMF)
7. Business Women’s Association
8. Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Johannesburg (JCCI)
9. French Chamber of Commerce & Industry
10. Chamber of Commerce & Industry ITALIAN Chamber of Trade (Commerce)
11. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Regional Chamber Cape
12. ChamberofCommerceandIndustry:Durban
13. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
14. Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA)
15. Corporate Lawyers Association of SA (CLASA)
16. Engineering Council OF SA
17. England Council of SA
18. European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA)
19. Franchise Association of SA (FASA)
20. Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA)
21. Institute of Directors in SA
22. Institute of Inventors and Innovators
23. Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA)
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 SCHEDULE A / SCHEDULE B20
24. International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI)
25. International Bar Association (IBA)
26. International Federation of Patent Agents (FICPI)
27. International PATGOT
28. International Trade Mark Association (INTA)
29. Law Society Northern Province (LSNP)
30. Law Society of Cape of Good Hope
31. LawSocietyofKwaZulu-Natal
32. Licensing Executives Society International (LESI)
33. National Small Business Chamber (NSBC)
34. New York Bar Association
35. Solicitors Regulation Authority
36. South African Association of Personal Injury Law
37. South African Chemical Institute
38. South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
39. South African Institute of Chemical Engineering
40. South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE)
41. South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL)
42. South African Institute of Tax Practitioners
43. South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)
44. Tag Law
45. The Association of European Trade Mark Owners (MARQUES)
46. Women’s Law Network (WLN)
SCHEDULE B
1. Admission as an Attorney Policy
2. Bonus Payment Associates Policy
3. Business Travel and Reimbursement of Petrol Claims Policy
4. CA Drivers Licences Policy
5. Code of Conduct
6. Damage to Firm Property Policy
7. Disciplinary Code & Procedure
ADAMS & ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 SCHEDULE B21
8. Dress Code Policy
9. Electronic Communication Policy
10. EmploymentEquityPolicy
11. Grievance Policy & Procedure
12. Group Life Assurance Policy
13. HIV & AIDS Policy
14. Incentive Bonus Policy
15. Injury on Duty Policy
16. Internal Vacancy Application Form
17. Leave Policy
18. Long Service Awards Policy
19. Overtime Policy
20. Preferential Procurement Policy
21. Probation Policy
22. Radio Policy
23. Recruitment & Selection Policy
24. Retirement Policy
25. Retrenchment Policy
26. SAIIPL Exams Policy
27. Sexual Harassment Policy
28. Smoking Policy
29. Staff Advance Policy
30. Study Loans Policy
31. Substance Abuse Policy
32. Sustainability Policy
33. Telephone Usage Policy
34. Termination of Services Policy
35. Time & Attendance Policy
36. Wedding Gifts Policy
37. Work done for Staff Policy
CONTACT INFORMATION
ATTORNEYSPatent | Trade Mark | Copyright | Design | Commercial | Property | Litigation
www.adamsadams.com
PRETORIA OFFICELynnwoodBridgeOfficePark,4DaventryStreet, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, South Africa
PO BOX 1014, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaDOCEX 81 PretoriaPHONE +27 12 432 6000FAX +27 12 432 6599EMAIL [email protected]
JOHANNESBURG OFFICE2nd Floor, 34 Fredman Drive, (Cnr. 5th Street), Sandton, South Africa
PO BOX 10155, Johannesburg 2000, South AfricaDOCEX 53 JohannesburgPHONE +27 11 895 1000FAX +27 11 784 2888 (CPL) +27 11 784 2872 (Patents) +27 11 784 2889 (Trade Marks)EMAIL [email protected]
CAPE TOWN OFFICE28thFloor,1ThibaultSquare,Cnr.LongStreetandHansStrijdomAvenue,Cape Town, South Africa
PO BOX 1513, Cape Town 8000, South AfricaDOCEX 186 Cape TownPHONE +27 21 418 8560FAX +27 21 419 5729EMAIL [email protected]
DURBAN OFFICESuite2,Level3,21RichefondCircle,RidgesideOfficePark, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, South Africa
PO BOX 237, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South AfricaDOCEX 9 DurbanPHONE +27 31 536 3740FAX +27 31 536 8254EMAIL [email protected]
MOZAMBIQUE OFFICEBº Rua Estevão Ataide, #20, R/C, Bairro da Sommerschield, Maputo-Moçambique
PHONE +258 21 49 86 17FAX +258 21 49 86 19EMAIL [email protected]