One of Canada’s top law firms has been singled out for its prioritization of earth-friendly business practices.
Maclean’s magazine and Aon Hewitt have included Stikeman Elliott LLP on their Green 30 list, which recognizes Canadian businesses that demonstrate the most commitment to environmental sustainability, and whose employees have recognized their company’s efforts to take real steps to promote environmentalism.
“Since our internal GoingGreen program launched in 2008, we have constantly looked for ways to challenge ourselves by embedding sustainability in our business processes and culture,” said Stikemans chairman Pierre Raymond.
The firm remains the only among its peers in the country to be carbon neutral, which it has made happen by introducing a series of green programs that have allowed it to reduce its carbon footprint by four per cent.
The firm has also invested in carbon-offset projects, this year working with the Greening Canada Fund on that initiative.
“During our first carbon neutral measurement in 2009 we discovered there were few home-grown certified offset projects in which to invest,” said Raymond. “Through our partnership with the Greening Canada Fund, we’re delighted to be supporting and growing awareness of worthwhile Canadian sustainability projects.”
A few of the firm’s other green initiatives include: defaulting double-sided print settings, which saved over 7.5 million sheets of paper in 2010; elimination of bottled water, paper plates, and plastic cutlery in all offices; use of office chairs made of 33 per cent recycled materials, and containing 99 per cent post-consumer recyclable materials; and installation of lighting motion sensors in offices and boardrooms, saving 450,000 KWH/year.
We expect more law firms, which take pride in the their community service efforts, to soon join Stikemans on the
Maclean’s-Aon Green 30 list.
