Lindquist & Vennum is committed to being a leader among law firms in sustainable practices and operations. We:
- provide legal services to clients focused on sustainable technologies, products, services, and business practices
- serve as thought leaders in our community and the industries we serve, and
- encourage responsible citizenship where we work and live.
Within our offices, we embrace sustainable operational practices that reduce our own environmental footprint.
We Have Accepted the Law Office Climate Challenge
As part of our mission to be a leader in developing, promoting and implementing sustainable law office practices, Lindquist & Vennum has accepted the Law Office Climate Challenges, a joint project of the American Bar Association and Environmental Protection Agency announced in March 2007. These climate challenges are designed to encourage law offices to conserve energy and resources, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Law firms participate by implementing best practices for office paper management or by joining at least one of three EPA partnership programs that encourage better office paper management, the use of renewable energy, and better energy management.
In July 2010, Lindquist & Vennum was named an American Bar Association/Environmental Protection Agency Law Office Climate Challenge and WasteWise Partner for achievement in office paper management practices.
Sustainable Practices Committee
Lindquist & Vennum has formalized its commitment to the environment through the formation of the Sustainable Practices Committee. The Committee, comprised of industry-involved attorneys and firm leadership, is responsible for developing, promoting and implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly law office practices within the firm.
Other Sustainable Achievements
In April 2010, the Sustainable Practices Committee successfully introduced the firm’s first Green Week raising internal awareness of the importance of, and the firm’s commitment to, environmental quality and energy conservation and reduction.
During 2010, the Committee successfully adopted and implemented new sustainability practices, programs and initiatives at the firm. We have:
- Implemented office paper management practices, including a firm-wide duplex printing initiative
- Implemented a “paperless” closed file initiative and records center procedure
- Introduced waste reduction practices in the business office, service center and library
- Eliminated bottled water
- Eliminated Styrofoam cups and serving ware
- Replaced plastic flatware with washable stainless flatware
- Increased availability and awareness of the firm’s recycling and re-use capabilities: aluminum, plastic, glass, newspaper, office paper and supplies
- Launched a shredding vs. recycling policy and campaign
- Implemented videoconferencing capabilities for inter-office and client meetings to reduce need for travel
- Assembled a green vendor restaurant list for catered meetings and events
- Implemented a coffee composting program
- Launched a campaign encouraging attorneys and staff to turn off lights, computers and monitors when not in use
- Directed the purchase of energy efficient light bulbs, products, and appliances when possible