The Environmentally Conscious Law Firm

Being “green” is one of Farella Braun + Martel’s core values.  We have formally adopted a firmwide Environmental Policy committing the firm to sustainability in our business operations. Our environmentally conscious program addresses recycling and waste reduction, energy and natural resource conservation, pollution prevention and quantification of our greenhouse gas emissions.  We have integrated “green” efforts into each department, legal and staff, within the firm.  Our efforts have diverted almost two tons of material from landfills since inception.

FBM viewed becoming a green business as not just the way to go, but the only way to go.  We look at being “green” as an ongoing process.  Our enthusiastic employees are continuously improving our existing efforts and undertaking new initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.

Action Speaks
Led by a team of staff and attorneys, our Green Task Force coordinates the program and collaborates on improving our existing efforts and undertaking new initiatives. Some elements of the firm’s program include paper product and battery recycling; composting; removal of plastic-ware from conference rooms and installing biodegradable napkins, plates and utensils; environmentally responsible purchasing; partnering with local non-profits and organizations for reuse of unneeded computers, supplies and furniture; 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper for printing; standardized double-sided printing from copiers; energy efficient light fixtures, and email profiling to reduce printing requirements.

While our focus remains internal and tries to answer the question, “how can FBM be a more environmentally friendly place to work,” our clients have noticed.  We regularly discuss our efforts with clients, and identify ways to be more “green” in our service delivery.   We work closely with our property managers and outside vendors to be catalysts for change.  Our caterers no longer supply us with plastic utensils or products. Our landlord has applied for LEED certification for the building, and the building janitorial crews now use all environmentally friendly cleaning products. 

Success Recognized
In 2006, our efforts were recognized.  Farella Braun + Martel was certified as a green business by the San Francisco Green Business Program.  We were the first major law firm in San Francisco to obtain the certification.  We are also members of the Bay Area Business Council on Climate Change (BC3) and one of two law firms registered (as of December 2006) with the California Climate Action Registry.

In 2007, FBM won an Acterra Business Environmental Award. The firm was selected the recipient of the “Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation” in the Medium Company category.