Our Commitment to Sustainability
Hanson Bridgett's commitment to the environment and sustainability goes beyond our law practice, to the way the firm itself is run. This dedication to sustainability is something we share in common with many of our clients. In April 2008 our San Francisco office received its Green Certification from the City of San Francisco. In January 2009 our Sacramento office was granted its certification as a sustainable business. In June 2009 our Marin office received its Green Certification from Marin County. Sustainability efforts are also underway in our Silicon Valley office. Some of the changes we have implemented already, or are in the process of implementing include:
- We use 100% post-consumer content recycled paper
- Our printed marketing materials use soy based ink and a minimum of 50% recycled content
- We use only durable plates, cups, and glasses
- We have replaced our bottled water with filtered tap water
- We have moved to "energy star" electronics
- We purchase furniture made of recycled contents
- We have increased our use of electronic newsletters and blogs to get information out to clients and help reduce overall paper usage
- We purchase supplies from local vendors to reduce shipping impact
- We participate in Spare the Air everyday by encouraging telecommuting and public transportation, and providing secure bike parking and onsite showers to encourage biking to work.
- We are in the process of establishing double sided or "duplex" printing as the default setting on all printers
Some of our other significant achievements include:
B Corporation Founding Member. We became a Founding B Corporation because it fits squarely with who we are and aspire to be. We place the highest value on the interests of our clients, our employees, the communities in which we work and live, and the environment. As a B Corporation we obtain access to tools and resources that allow us to evaluate and improve our performance as a sustainable business.
U.S. Green Building Council. Hanson Bridgett is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and we have seven U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Accredited Professionals (LEED® AP) among our ranks.
Sustainable Business Leadership Forums. Hanson Bridgett's Sustainable Business Practice Group hosts a monthly leadership forum whose mission is to help companies with sustainable agendas succeed, as well as to foster the growth of the sustainable business movement overall. These forums provide regular and ongoing opportunities for business people to share ideas and best practices, develop contacts, and gain access to capital and resources—in short, to help them grow and thrive. Each month the Sustainable Business Leadership Forum features expert speakers from varying sectors of the sustainable movement, speakers who provide a wealth of insight into their corner of the sustainable business world.
Hanson Bridgett Green Committee. Hanson Bridgett has established an internal "Green" Committee, which consists of a mix of Hanson Bridgett attorneys, managers and staff who are committed to the sustainable movement. Their main objectives are to implement green policies and educate firm members as to why going green is good for the firm, the communities within which we live and the world as a whole. The Committee hosts monthly "Green Gatherings" which are designed to educate staff on ways in which they can green their home and reduce their individual footprint.
Sponsorships and Memberships. Hanson Bridgett is proud to support organizations such as:
If you would like to know more about our sustainable efforts or programs please contact Rachel Patterson and Michelle Klopp.
