Environmental Responsibility

As global environmental issues become more pressing, it's becoming increasingly important for businesses to take the lead in reducing their environmental footprint. As such, Levenfeld Pearlstein has taken concrete steps to assure that we help create a clean and safe environment and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

In 2007, LP created an internal Environmental Task Force to implement policies and procedures to reduce the firm’s carbon footprint. Our 2009 Checklist of Implementation Tasks provides a summary of green practices and procedures we have achieved at our firm.  To view a copy of our 2009 green intiative checklist, please click here.

By April 2009, after implementing a variety of energy efficiency programs, LP enrolled in the City of Chicago Green Office Challenge - one of 200 firms city-wide committed to environmental consciousness through its green practices.  LP is proud to announce that it is the first participant in the Green Office Challenge to reach Tier 1, the highest ranking tier for implemented energy efficiency policies and procedures. In fact, the Green Office Challenge has recognized LP for its innovative “Notice of Violation” used internally at LP to raise environmental awareness and encourage employee participation in green practices.  Please click here for a downloadable version of LP’s Notice of Violation to modify for your company’s use.

Our environmental efforts include:

  • First law firm in the United States to adopt the American Bar Association Model Commitment to Sustainability for a Law Organization (Actually, we helped draft it);  View Draft
  • First Chicago-based law firm to join the Chicago Climate Exchange and become “carbon neutral” by purchasing credits to offset the firm's carbon footprint; Read More...
  • Member of Chicago Sustainability Business Alliance; View Profile
  • Selected as the first law firm to be listed in the Chicago Green Business Directory, published by the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance; Read More...
  • Replaced Styrofoam and plastic cups with reusable glasses and coffee mugs;
  • Replaced plastic bottled water for meetings with water pitchers;
  • Implemented the firm-wide default of double-sided copying and printing;
  • Replaced all incandescent light bulbs at the firm with compact fluorescent high efficiency bulbs (CFL bulbs);
  • Implemented firm policy for recycling of paper, plastic, batteries and glass;
  •  Routinely work with clients to prosecute citizen suits under federal environmental laws and publish articles on how clients can go green, comply with environmental legal requirements and file environmental citizen suits;
  • Formed an internal Environmental Task Force, implementing recycling, energy conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly paper and other materials;
  • Provide compact fluorescent bulbs to each employee along with advice on home energy conservation.

 

 Less Visible (but Equally as Important) LP Green Practices:

  •  Implemented firm policy requiring all vendors to use Green Seal certified products;
  • Implemented firm policy modifying all computer monitor settings to enter sleep mode after 15 minutes of non-use;
  • Implemented "Lights Out" firm policy for meeting rooms and offices when not in use;
  • Implemented firm policy purchasing at least 30% post consumer-waste recycled paper;
  • Distributed LP-branded refillable water bottles and travel mugs to employees.

Additional Information