Carbon neutrality and social impact headline Proximity’s first impact report
Government consultancy Proximity has released its inaugural impact report, which outlines the firm’s success in becoming carbon neutral and its progress on other community initiatives.
Alongside reaching net zero, other highlights over the past year included Proximity’s largest ever contribution of pro bono hours to non-profits, and its work on a number of projects which will deliver lasting community impact.
Established in Canberra in 2011 with further outlets in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, Proximity brings together consulting, legal and commercial services for government clients and other large organisations across the country.
Proximity CEO Zoe Lynam said the release of its inaugural impact report marked an important milestone, with the firm having been driven by making a positive impact and helping to create a sustainable future since inception; “We know our clients and employees want to partner with ethical, purpose-driven organisations, and we are committed to meeting those expectations,” she stated.
Currently with a headcount of around 120 consultants, Proximity further said its first impact report – which highlights its achievements across the three pillars of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and client impact – would serve as a benchmark in measuring ongoing progress as the firm continues to grow and endeavours to embed ESG into every aspect of its operations.
Headlining the report was Proximity’s success in achieving net carbon neutrality, with the promise of maintaining that status on the path to zero emissions. Measures taken to reduce the firm’s footprint include reducing non-essential travel and a new office fit-out prioritising sustainability, while also decarbonising its supply chain and making the switch to sustainable alternatives.
Social impact
Proximity’s procurement has also had some changes with respect to commitments undertaken in the firm’s Reflect RAP, which in addition to engaging with Indigenous suppliers and corporate partners further includes embedding cultural sensitivity into its service delivery. Proximity is currently evaluating its progress with a view to moving onto the Innovate RAP stage over the coming year.
Progressing reconciliation and empowerment is additionally a focus of the firm’s CSR program, together with improving mental health and the prevention of domestic and family violence. Presently supporting six community organisations, Proximity last year provided more than 160 days worth of service, its largest ever total and valued at around $370,000 together with donations.
“We see the real value of pro bono work for both the communities we serve and our team’s sense of purpose,” Lynam said. “We have exceeded the Australian Pro Bono Centre’s voluntary and aspirational target of 35 pro bono hours per lawyer per annum for the past six years, and we foster opportunities and encourage our employees to get involved across all three of our practice areas.”
Beyond its charitable contribution, Proximity still aims to deliver lasting social impact through the projects it undertakes. As just a couple of examples from last year, the firm provided a procurement risk management review for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and performed work on a system to improve the Murray-Darling Basin water purchasing program.
