Long before “going green” became a popular phrase to describe the adoption of environmentally friendly practices at work and home, Ulmer & Berne LLP attorneys were advising corporations on cutting costs by reducing waste and maximizing overall operational efficiency. Today, Ulmer & Berne relies on those same attorneys to assist UB Green, the Firm’s committee responsible for implementing eco-friendly practices and procedures.
Even before forming UB Green, Ulmer & Berne recognized the importance of environmentally friendly practices. Driven by the Firm’s internal mission E.A.R.T.H. (Educate, Adopt, Recycle, Train and Heighten), Ulmer & Berne continues to: (1) educate staff and attorneys on how to reduce overall carbon footprints; (2) explore and adopt new sustainable practices firmwide; (3) train staff and attorneys how to reduce waste; and (4) work to heighten overall awareness on the importance of our environment.
Since the formation of UB Green, Ulmer & Berne has:
- Broadened its recycling program.
- Stocked printers and copiers with 30 percent or more recycled content paper.
- Replaced plastic water bottles with reusable water containers.
- Increased its usage of electronic processes to distribute internal and external communications.
- Developed an educational program to teach our staff and attorneys how to better preserve resources.
- Replaced older light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.
- Implemented power save features for computers and monitors across all offices.
Ulmer & Berne has been designated as a Law Office Climate Challenge Partner by the American Bar Association and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Firm has also been “Green Certified” by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. These designations indicate that Ulmer & Berne is a leader in the national and local movement towards climate protection and sustainability. While Ulmer & Berne has initiated a range of sustainability practices, our mission is far from complete. As new energy-efficient technologies and products are developed, Ulmer & Berne will continue to dramatically change the way we work – becoming an even more environmentally friendly firm.