We are committed not only to providing excellent legal services to our clients but also to contributing to the overall health of our community. Axley Brynelson continuously works to implement sustainable business practices in order to reduce our impact on the environment.
The American Bar Association’s Law Office Climate Challenge is an example of Axley Brynelson’s commitment the environment. Designed by the ABA’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Climate Challenge encourages law offices to take simple, practice steps to become better environmental and energy stewards.
As a Partner in the Law Office Climate Challenge’s Best Practices for the Office Paper Management section, Axley Brynelson:
Uses paper that is at least 30 percent post-consumer recycled paper at least 90 percent of the time
Recycles at least 90 percent of discarded office paper
And, follows a policy of double-sided copying and printing for all drafts and internal documents.
In addition to participating in the ABA’s Law Office Climate Challenge, Axley Brynelson’s Sustainability Group reviews and initiates sustainable business practices for the firm. Our efforts to help reduce Axley Brynelson’s carbon footprint include:
Purchasing energy-efficient computers, fax machines, printers and copiers, or other ENERGY STAR qualified products as old office equipment wears out. ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy than conventional products
Turning off unneeded lights, and using daylight as much as possible
Turning off office equipment when not needed, such as at night and on the weekends
Setting computers and other office products to go into sleep mode or shut down when not in use after a certain amount of time
Calibrating thermostats to adjust for seasonal changes
Encouraging electronic communication as much as possible
Distributing articles and newsletters from Axley via email or web posting rather than print
Going “paperless” by saving and filing work electronically, and reducing the amount of paper files or copies
Educating employees about opportunities for energy efficient improvements at work and at home
Recycling paper and other waste
Promoting mass transit commuting options to employees
Having bicycle racks available for those who bike to and from work
Axley Brynelson also received a Certificate of Environmental Accomplishment certifying that the law firm participated in the Shred-It® shredding and recycling program, saving 111 trees from destruction in 2008.
For more information about Axley Brynelson’s green efforts, please contact the Sustainability Group’s Chair, Attorney Paul D. Curtis.
