other environmentally-friendly activities?

When I assumed the legal coordination of Copachisa in 2016, an opportunity area was identified: the reduction of physical contracts (paper) and the implementation of digital contracts signed with electronic signatures. This involved creating a program, collecting the electronic signatures from all suppliers, and processing the corresponding permits.

As a result, paper usage was reduced, and an eco-friendly ecosystem was created, impacting both direct and indirect costs. In addition, we promote and hold virtual meetings to reduce costs and use of fuel avoiding meetings in person, as transportation is not needed.

The company also holds certifications as a socially responsible company and promotes the competitiveness of its clients, employees, and suppliers to positively impact society’s well-being and respect the environment.

To reduce the environmental impact in construction, continuous improvements have been implemented in the construction process, including:

Prioritizing the use of raw materials with low environmental impact.

Proper disposal of hazardous waste according to its classification.

Recycling of construction and office waste and materials.

Controlling and reducing water and energy consumption.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In-house companies’ lawyers undertake the complex task of overseeing compliance with the applicable legal framework to avoid conflicts and sanctions and also manage risks. In order to achieve this, they are responsible for providing advice in various areas of law.

The impact of the legal department’s function involves strategic planning and systematic monitoring of the company’s operations. Therefore, its position is privileged to drive both internal and external changes.

To fulfill this goal, it is necessary to implement a program of periodic training on key topics for the proper functioning of the company, such as insurance, sureties, property crimes, and compliance, as well as creating external and internal policies on ethics and anti-corruption.

It can be challenging to measure a company’s track record in environmentally friendly behavior. What, in your opinion, has mostly been missed in discussions about how green a company is?

I am very fortunate to be part of a company that complies with the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the execution of its projects and the supplies that are used for those projects. Aligning with the correct policies when it comes to sustainable development and environmental regulations. In addition, our company has all inclusion and gender equity policies that allow all the employees’ equal growth opportunities.

However, I do consider that all companies should know and operate according to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030, signed by all of its members, an agenda that includes and mentions very important and fundamental objectives such as: Community progress, decent work and economic growth, gender equality, zero hunger, affordable and clean energy climate action, good health and wellbeing, peace, industry innovation and infrastructure, justice and strong institutions.