National law firm to implement leading-edge program of energy-saving and environmental measures
CHICAGO– LAWFUEL – Attorney Newswire –This Earth Day Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP announces the adoption of an environmental sustainability policy that will make the law firm a leader in energy and natural resource conservation and sustainable business practices.
“This policy sets forth Sonnenschein’s commitment to conserve the earth’s resources, and we will implement it in an unwavering fashion,” stated Elliott I. Portnoy, Sonnenschein chairman. “As a firm and as individuals, we recognize our obligation and our opportunity to be part of the solution to the central challenges facing our clients, our communities and our families. We are stepping up to the challenge of environmental responsibility in this era of climate change and globalization. It is the right thing to do from every perspective.”
Sonnenschein’s comprehensive environmental sustainability program will focus on a range of areas, including:
Resource and energy conservation–The firm will cut substantially its consumption of non-renewable natural resources and energy. It will strive to meet, and where possible, exceed best practices for energy and natural resource conservation in an office environment.
Waste and pollution prevention and management–Sonnenschein will reduce the quantity of waste it generates to the fullest extent possible. The firm will decrease significantly emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants from its operations and travel, and will vigorously pursue opportunities to become carbon neutral.
Reduction of supply chain impacts–The firm will work with office supply and equipment vendors, landlords and office building managers, and other companies with which it does business to ensure that the goods and services provided are environmentally friendly.
Collaboration and integration–Sonnenschein will coordinate implementation of the environmental sustainability policy with its profession-leading diversity, pro bono and community service programs.
The policy was developed by a 100-person task force comprised of attorneys and staff from across the firm’s U.S. and European offices co-chaired by Thomas C. Jensen, a partner in Sonnenschein’s Washington, D.C., office and a nationally recognized expert in natural resources, energy and environmental law and policy, and David J. Schadler, the firm’s chief operating officer.
“We are setting in motion a process that will improve substantially Sonnenschein’s performance with regard to energy and other resource consumption. We’ll use less electricity, generate less waste, and minimize our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jensen. “This is a long-term commitment to excellence in environmental responsibility. We will be working with our clients and others to identify opportunities for the firm to innovate and to test leading-edge programs that can be adopted widely by others.”
At Sonnenschein, we are committed to providing the highest-quality legal and counseling services for all of our clients, all of the time. They include many of the world’s most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Through integrated, inter-office teamwork, we help them to prosper and grow. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.
