Green Initiatives
Environmental stewardship is a pillar of McDermott Will & Emery’s commitment to excellence in its communities. With 16 offices on three continents, we have the duty and opportunity to minimize our impact on the environment. As a Firm, we encourage our attorneys and staff to be actively involved in promoting sustainability, and we have extended our longstanding commitment to representing environmental groups in a pro bono capacity. We know it is possible to achieve the best results for our clients and our planet.
McDermott has devised and implemented programs to conserve resources, reduce the Firm’s carbon footprint, protect the environment and promote the benefits of sustainability to our people and the greater business community. Members from each of our offices are charged with developing and monitoring environmentally sound business practices throughout the Firm. Because global change often begins locally, each McDermott office has its own Green Committee comprising lawyers and staff who help implement these initiatives in their local communities.
Paper Usage and Recycling
McDermott has instituted effective recycling practices and significantly reduced our paper consumption. The Firm continually seeks to minimize the volume of paper used in printing, copying, data storage and communication. We have increased our focus on paperless technology and developed electronic templates for a wide variety of internal and external communications. We have also converted the vast majority of our reports, faxes, newsletters and bulletins from hard copy to electronic versions. Internal campaigns urge our personnel to view documents on-screen whenever possible; if paper copies are necessary, we use recycled paper for printing and copying. Duplex printing set as the default for “two-sided” use is an increasingly effective way to achieve our paper reduction goals.
Recycling
In addition to paper recycling, we work with our local property managers to minimize disposables and reuse equipment and supplies wherever possible. We systematically recycle large volumes of printer/photocopier cartridges, batteries and plastics.
Conserving Energy
McDermott conserves energy by using more efficient lighting, heating and other systems. We steadily encourage energy-conscious practices across the Firm and urge our local offices to purchase from renewable energy sources. Our offices promote energy efficiency through motion-sensitive light switches and Energy Star-compliant office lights and appliances.
Supporting “Green” Vendors and Products
Sustainability is a key criteria in our selection of all of the Firm’s equipment, supplies and services. We give preference to local, eco-friendly vendors wherever practicable.
Community Advocacy and Outreach
Our Firm represents many proprietary, nonprofit and pro bono clients involved in environmentally progressive ventures. We have expanded our representations in these areas as well as our sponsorship of nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. The Firm’s volunteer opportunities help raise community awareness of resource conservation efforts and spur action in the office and at home.
Transportation
Our policies promote the use of videoconference and other technologies to reduce non-essential business travel. In local offices, we highly encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, bicycling, walking and other means of commuting to work.
Education and Encouragement
We are dedicated to educating our personnel on the importance of sustainability and integrating environmentally friendly practices into our everyday activities. In-house training and educational opportunities engage our personnel and stress the importance of sound environmental practices. Our priorities include exploring additional ways in which we can promote environmental responsibility and the conservation of resources.
Carbon Neutrality
Our Green efforts strive to reach the ultimate goal of a high level of carbon neutrality.
McDermott constantly looks for new ways to sustain natural resources for future generations and improve the quality of life in our communities.
Contact:
Lydia R.B. Kelley
+1 312 984 6470
lkelley@mwe.com
