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How In-House Lawyers Can Help Create a Culture of Sustainability

By George Khoury, Esq. on February 20, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Corporate sustainability is a big deal these days, even if a lot of it is just a bunch of puffery. Nevertheless, companies want to be seen as sustainable, regardless of whether the only thing sustainable about their product is the recycled paper in the packaging.

Even if you personally view corporate sustainability as some barely-less-than-a-sham attempt at greenwashing, the following sustainable practices are just fiscally smart, though the last one might just be a bit too green for most.

Go Paperless

For anything that isn't legally required to be on paper, an in-house team can promote sustainability by going paperless. Web portals and secure email services can make important legal communications feel as official as a letterhead document. Also, using these sorts of services can cut down on the need and cost of support staff.

Request an Energy Audit

If switching your lighting, heating or cooling system could save you significant money, you might want to consider getting a full energy audit before paying to change it over. Your company may be wasting more energy, and thus wasting money, in other ways too. For example, if workstations are left plugged in, or turned on, there's a cost associated with that.

Find All the Money and Benefits From Recycling

People and business make all their money recycling. If your company produces recycleables, then your company should be cashing it in. There are going to be some financial benefits from recycling, and using or installing energy efficient fixtures and equipment. If you can clearly show direct financial savings, any company is likely to look at making some renovations, particularly if the company is committed to, or owns, a brick and mortar space.

Use Shredded Documents for Compost

If you like to garden or have a green thumb, you can actually compost shredded documents. However, unless you have a critical mass of gardeners, or your company doesn't produce a very hefty shred pile, you might want to hold off on offering to take it all.

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