LP has demonstrated measurable cost savings by reducing energy use and implementing other green, cost-saving measures. In 2007, LP adopted a modified version of the American Bar Association's model policy of sustainability for law firms, and we formed an official environmental task force that took steps to reduce both physical and economic waste. Such steps included:
- implementing mandatory double-sided photocopying;
- recycling paper waste, used batteries, and office supplies;
- asking employees to turn off office lights, computer monitors, computers, and other electronic devices when not in use;
- eliminating print media while relying more heavily on electronic communications (like this new format of the Edge);and
- eliminating plastic water bottles and Styrofoam and plastic drink cups.
LP's efforts to be more green actually began in late 2003 when the firm replaced all incandescent bulbs in our offices with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). We did this to benefit from the longer life of CFLs (approximately 14 months). Each week we had been replacing up to ten incandescent bulbs, which have an average life of only three to four weeks. In addition, CFLs lowered LP's utility costs by decreasing the wattage of the bulbs, while still providing the same amount of lumens.
LP's elimination of incandescent bulbs and plastic and Styrofoam cups alone has yielded annual cost savings of nearly $20,000 for our modest up-front investment in CFLs, glasses and ceramic mugs.
Here is the math.
The cost in our building to replace an incandescent bulb is $9.99 for union labor and $0.80 for material, for a total of $10.79 per bulb. Multiply that by 40 bulbs per month for a total monthly cost of $431.60. The cost in our building to replace a CFL is $9.99 for union labor and $11.51 for material, for a total of $21.50 per bulb. On average, we replace three CFL bulbs per month for a total monthly cost of $64.50. The difference generates a monthly savings to LP of approximately $367.10, or $4,405.20 annually. More significantly, LP has realized electricity cost savings of approximately $1,000 per month, or $12,000 annually, by switching to CFLs. This represents an 18.5 percent reduction in our overall utility costs. Similar cost-saving measures have reduced LP's overall operating expenses by approximately 7 percent.
When LP replaced Styrofoam and plastic drink cups with ceramic coffee cups and glasses, our up-front investment was approximately $2,000. We were spending $155 per month on Styrofoam and plastic cups, and recovered the initial outlay of $2,000 for mugs and glasses over a 13-month period. Our net savings from this change (deducting for replacement costs) is approximately $1,550 annually.
Green consultants have told our firm time and again that our eco-friendly practices are on the cutting edge. LP was recognized as the first law firm to achieve the top tier (out of four tiers) in the City of Chicago's first "Green Office Challenge."
Making simple adjustments goes a long way toward reducing waste and saving money. Please contact Jeff Friedman if you would like to learn more about how to implement and benefit from green efforts.
