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Law Firms Go Green Globally
In Thomas Friedman's words, green is the new red, white and blue. But for law firms, going green goes beyond U.S. borders and is also part of a global trend.
Consider these recent stories. Back in May, we made mention of Arnold & Porter's efforts to improve the environment by investing in carbon credits to offset emissions caused by lawyers' extensive travel. But Arnold & Porter's efforts to go green go further; the firm is also undertaking measures to cut back on paper use by printing briefs on double-sided paper and recycling.
In Canada, firms are designing law firms with environmental benefits in mind, as described in this
post
from Toronto Estate Lawyer. From the post:
Implementing the use of green electricity or natural light are just two of the many measures open to a law firm looking to help the environment. Little things, like conserving water, reusing scrap paper and replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, can reap substantial green results. Such measures can also save law firms money. Environmental action can also be good for building business. A recent survey by Bullfrog Power found that 67 per cent of Canadians are likely to switch to banks, stores and other retail or service firms that have a demonstrated “green” track record.
And across the pond, firms in the United Kingdom are joining the green bandwagon as well, according to this story,
Law firms pledge to go green in wake of World Environment Day (6/11/07). Several U.K. firms, in recognition of World Environmental Day, pledged to cycle to work, use mugs instead of throwaway cups and put biodegradables in compost heaps. Other firms switched off lights, watched Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," and committed to reducing their carbon footprints.
So why the sudden interest in going green? Are firms suddenly gaining awareness of environmental problems? Or is going green a marketing or PR tool to help firms can earn more of another kind of green?
Posted by Carolyn Elefant on June 13, 2007 at 05:55 PM | Permalink
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