Already an avid recycler, Graham & Dunn's reduce and reuse mindset gained momentum in 2003 with our move to Pier 70. The firm maintained much of the original architecture in the build-out, and also salvaged end-cut timber for wood floors. Graham & Dunn's transition became a springboard for incorporating environmental stewardship into our ongoing corporate citizenship commitments.
Our dedication continued to grow. Although Graham & Dunn exceeded many of the American Bar Association's (ABA) sustainability criteria for law firms, we knew there was more to be done. In 2007, the firm adopted a progressive green business practices model.
Currently, Graham & Dunn's green initiatives, which were unanimously supported by board members, wholeheartedly adopted by employees, and enthusiastically received by clients and recruits, include:
Energy-conscious transportation choices
- Providing free Metro bus passes to all employees
- Enhancing video conferencing capability to reduce travel
- Offering a bike rack, lockers and showers for employees who commute by bicycle
Enhanced recycling options
- Improving recycling efficiency through increased access to bins and better signage
- Adding food waste bins and partnering with AQUA by El Gaucho restaurant to bring collections to the compost bin maintained on the pier
- Using biodegradable, compostable silverware, plates and cups, instead of plastic
Reduced operational impacts
- Installing automatic, energy efficient lighting through sensors and longer lasting bulbs
- Recycling printer/toner cartridges and batteries
- Reducing paper through increased use of electronic scanning and filing and paperless billing
- Producing closing books for all transactions on CDs and thumb drives, instead of hard copies
- Using recycled paper and letterhead and increasing use of post-consumer recycled paper
- Setting some printers and copiers to double-sided default printing.
Graham & Dunn is devoted to continuous improvement with its sustainable business practices.