Suppose you’re reading this, and you are a lawyer. In that case, chances are, you presumably drive to work, work in a well-lit room on a computer that creates loads of paper, and flies to meetings and conferences on occasion, right? Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere due to these seemingly harmless activities.
For this reason, many law firms are becoming increasingly focused on how to lessen their ecological impact in a world where environmental awareness is becoming increasingly important.
Going green isn’t only about being environmentally conscious; it may also help you save money in the long run. According to statistics, energy accounts for 30% of a typical law office building’s operating expenditures, and it is the single highest controllable operating expense. This is why most law firms these days, like Monge and Associates, are going the eco-friendly way. And you should, too. Here’s how:
How Can Your Law Firm Go Green?
1. Embrace Technology
Don’t fall into the trap of being a typical law firm with a mountain of paperwork. We live in a digital age, which means that having a digital bank of things is a terrific way to go paperless. This includes contracts, paperwork, and anything else that isn’t legally required to be printed.
Encourage emailing as well. When it comes to legal matters, we understand how difficult it may be to break free from the comfort of writing actual letters. Emailing is a safe and paperless way to send out communications thanks to features like encryption coding.
2. Recycle and Renovate
This step is a little more expensive, but it might save you a lot of money in the long run. If you’re renovating your company’s workplace, consider the following things:
- Windows that let in natural light while also being reinforced to prevent energy leaks
- A recycling water system with energy-saving features
- Insulation, furniture and décor, and flooring made from recycled or sustainable materials
In addition, recycling should not only just involve recycling old documents in a confidential waste receptacle, but also your regular garbage. To ensure that your contribution to landfills is decreased, get a general recycling bin and a food waste bin.
3. Reduce the Usage of Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics can take over 1,000 years to biodegrade and emit harmful gases into the atmosphere when melted. Therefore, use some simple solutions to eliminate single-use plastics in the workplace, such as imposing a ban on bottled water or bringing in a chemical-free reusable bottle/coffee cup.
Another option is to provide a workplace communal kitchen area, allowing workers to share glasses, mugs, silverware, and plates.
4. Evaluate Your Materials
Examine your office supplies, including stationery, filing products, equipment, furniture, and technology. Check to see if regularly consumed items can be replaced with sustainable sources, recycled materials, or even something recyclable in and of itself.
5. Incorporating Sustainable Travel
For legal firms, sustainable travel encompasses a wide range of activities. Some of these include: replacing face-to-face contact with video or teleconferencing as an alternative to travel, travel blending by combining meetings into one trip to reduce the frequency of business travel and better time management, and finally, encouraging employees to use efficient travel modes.
6. Involvement of Staff
Employees are already exerting pressure on their companies over environmental policies. They increasingly consider it crucial to work for a company that is actively reducing its carbon emissions.
As a result, running things like awareness campaigns and identifying green champions is always an excellent idea. Because you’ll not only be mobilizing employees’ benefits on climate change, but you’ll also be lowering expenses, increasing employee morale, and improving recruitment and retention.
7. Establishment of a Green Policy
A green policy can result in saving costs, such as lower energy bills and zero waste. Simple things like using energy-efficient light bulbs and turning off all electronics and lights when not in use can help you save money and energy. Creating a framework for new initiatives such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and distribution cost reduction can guide all staff.
Go Green or Go Home
With the above suggestions in place, you may actually go green in a variety of ways. This will significantly reduce your overall impact on the environment, allowing each member of your law firm to feel as if they are making a difference. This can also become a source of pride; it is something you can brag about to future clients, demonstrating your concern for the environment.
