November 2, 2007 (Mountain View and San Francisco, CA) LAWFUEL – The Legal Newswire – Last week, Fenwick & West has become the first law firm certified by Santa Clara County as an environmentally sustainable “Green Business” for the steps it has taken to conserve natural resources. Fenwick’s day-to-day operations were thoroughly reviewed to assess the ways Fenwick conserves energy and reduces pollution, waste and water use.
Fenwick & West Managing Partner Kate Fritz said “We are committed to managing our resource consumption to be good corporate citizens. Our technology and life sciences clients are at the forefront of the revolution in resource conservation, and we want to be there as well.”
Some of the conservation practices utilized by Fenwick include:
Purchasing energy efficient appliances, computers, servers and printers
Providing a secure bike cage and shower facilities for those who bike or walk to work
Recycling a broad variety of office items including paper, plastic, bottles, cans, cardboard, batteries, light bulbs and toner cartridges
Maximizing natural light to reduce dependency on artificial light
Installation of low flow toilets and motion sensor faucets
Using Green Seal Cleaning Products throughout the building
Converted to biodegradable utensils and tableware
Leasing computers, servers and printers
Using Fax servers to reduce paper
Installation of lighting sensors to reduce energy use
Encouraging public transportation through employee incentives
Promoting “Bike to Work” day with 511.org
Replaced all light fixtures with T-8 bulbs
Using recycled carpet tiles and ceiling tiles
Selected Mt. View location based on access to public transportation, shopping and dining
Purchasing recycled content paper and office supplies
Fenwick & West Senior Director of Facilities and Operations Julie O’Loughlin said “Fenwick & West has historically been concerned about resource consumption. We will continue to make our business more efficient as we seek even more stringent certification through industry regulatory standards such as ISO 14001 and LEED. Simply put, it’s the right thing to do.”
About the Bay Area Green Business Program
The Bay Area Green Business Program is a partnership of local government agencies in collaboration with the US EPA and Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) coordinates the Program in nine bay area counties. The regional and local programs are funded by their partners, including local and regional government agencies, utilities, special districts and nonprofit organizations that promote environmental compliance, pollution prevention and resource conservation. Over 1000 business and public agencies have been certified since 1997.
About Fenwick & West
Established in 1972, Fenwick & West works closely with technology and life sciences companies that are changing the world through innovation. The firm has more than 30 years of experience crafting innovative solutions to the business challenges that arise at the intersection of technology and the law. Fenwick & West clients, who range from start-up ventures to global enterprises, value our attorneys’ deep industry experience and understanding of their technologies.
