Kilpatrick Townsend continues to be at the forefront of issues impacting the world in which we live. A more green, sustainable workplace uses less energy, creates less waste and creates a culture where employees know that they are making a difference every day.

In 2008, the firm launched the “Keeping Sustainable @ Kilpatrick Townsend” initiative which incorporates a holistic commitment not only to the environment but to the firm’s community involvement, pro bono and diversity initiatives.

As a centerpiece to the firm’s sustainability initiative, we have become a signatory to the ABA/EPA Law Office Climate Challenge. We were the first in many of our office cities to sign on to this robust environmental policy. The ABA/EPA requires signatories to commit to only two of the three components of the Climate Challenge. We are one of only a few firms across the country to commit to all three components of the Climate Challenge, and we have done so at the Leader Level.

• The Energy Star Program involves reducing the firm’s electricity usage by 10%.
• The Green Power Partnership Program involves the firm purchasing Renewable Energy Credits. The funds committed go to support alternative energy solutions such as wind power, solar power, and geothermal power. This will also help offset the firm’s carbon footprint. To qualify as a “Partner” in the program the purchase of 30% RECs is required; to qualify as a “Leader” the purchase of 60% is required. The firm purchased 100% RECs.
• The WasteWise Program has two components. The first involves the firm purchasing materials such as copy/printer paper, letterhead, bond paper, envelopes, paper plates, and other supplies that have a much higher recycled content (at least 30%). The second component involves recycling a high percentage of the waste the firm creates such as mixed office paper, colored paper, and other office supplies such as file folders and envelopes.
• The firm also has the distinction of being the first law firm to join the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia Program, a voluntary environmental leadership initiative sponsored by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The firm commited to participate at the Gold Level.

Our Commitment

We are proud of the great strides we have made since the launch of our ambitious initiative, and we are strongly committed not only to do our part in creating a more sustainable environment but to become a model in the legal industry as firms work to create more sustainable workplaces. Since we launched this initiative, the firm has met its obligations in the following ways:

 

• All styrofoam cups and plates were replaced with recycled paper products.
• All plastic eating utensils have been replaced with items made from natural, biodegradable materials.
• All employees have been given re-usable mugs (one for hot drinks and one for cold drinks).
• The firm has purchased 100% organic, eco-friendly tote bags (for grocery shopping, etc.) which are being given out both internally and externally as promotional items at events.
• Trash receptacles are available throughout the firm for recycling paper products.
• The firm now uses copy/printer paper, and almost all other paper products, with 35% recycled content.
• All of the firm's copiers had the default changed to "two-sided" (duplex).
• In offices across the firm where we have control of lighting, we have converted light bulbs from high to low energy. In offices where we lease office space, we are working with the building owners to conserve energy by modifying lighting.
• The firm's Atlanta office is located in a LEED certified building.