Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG)

Environmental

The AAA-ICDR is committed to the reduction and reuse of environmental resources, and the effective use of energy management. Following are examples of issues and solutions that illustrate our commitment:

Resource Reduction and Recycling

Issue: Physical Case Files

Solution:

• Developed a robust electronic case-management system to eliminate physical case files, which also enhanced productivity of staff, and service to parties and arbitrators
• Developed a robust electronic case-management system, which, as well as allowing for enhanced administrative services for staff, parties, and arbitrators eliminates physical case files

Issue: Paper Exhibits

Solution:

• Launched an electronic-hearing exhibit space integrated with our online case- management system to facilitate the virtual exchange of party exhibits at hearings and eliminates the need for paper copies

Issue: Fax Machines / Paper

Solution:

• Converted to electronic fax services, eliminating the need for physical fax machines and paper

Issue: Conserving Paper/Printing; Energy Due to Travel

Solution:

• Encourage the use of technology to conduct arbitrations to minimize the use of paper, printing, and travel if applicable
• Encourage the use of electronic means to serve documents as permitted in the arbitration rules
• Transitioned to the primary use of digital vs. paper marketing materials

Issue: Paper Waste

Solution:

• Provide recycling bins in all offices, conference rooms, and communal kitchens
• Engaged third parties to shred and recycle paper at our various locations

Issue: Machine Waste

Solution:

• Work with third parties to collect and recycle hardware and equipment, such as laptops, monitors, computers, and devices;
• Donate equipment, such as desktop computers, to not-for-profit organizations; for example, Computers for Causes

Issue: Environment-Friendly Paper

Solution:

• At least 30%-recycled copy paper used by November 2021; 100%-recycled by January 2023
• Paper cups in offices with countertop-cup dispensers sourced from 90% plant-based renewable resources

Issue: Bottle Recycling

Solution:

• Reusable water bottles or water dispensers utilized in most office locations

Energy Management

Issue: Carbon Emissions Related to Business Travel

Solution:

• Comprehensive technology solutions available for the effective conduct of virtual hearings, reducing the need for travel or in person hearings
• Documents-only arbitration offered as an alternative to in-person hearings
• Virtual events, education programs, and training increased
• Reduction in business travel by air and automobile
• Instituted hybrid work models and pre-tax mass transit benefit to reduce commuter-related carbon emissions

Issue: Building-Related Energy Consumption

Solution:

• Both Data Centers and six offices in LEED-certified buildings
• Goal to make LEED certification as part of process for considering new office space
• Movement-triggered lighting utilized in the majority of offices

Issue: Office Equipment-Related Energy Consumption

Solution:

• Energy Star-certified laptops and printers and environmentally friendly ink toner utilized
• Energy-saver modes used by staff on computers and other equipment

Issue: Education-Related Efforts

Solution:

• National Roster of Arbitrators required to complete training regarding the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology to help limit the need for in-person hearings in many cases