Farella Braun + Martel Receives Acterra 2007 Business Environmental Award for “Green” Business Practices

SAN FRANCISCO (May 30, 2007):  Farella Braun + Martel is pleased to announce that it has won a competitive Acterra 2007 Business Environmental Award for its pollution prevention and resource conservation program.  Farella Braun + Martel was selected the recipient of the "Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation" in the Medium Company category.

During the rigorous three-month judging process which involved more than 25 regional environmental and sustainability experts, over 50 competitors showcased their environmental innovations in six categories including sustainability; sustainable built environment; environmental & sustainability education; environmental enterprise; commute and transportation; and pollution prevention/resource conservation. The eleven winners will be honored at a ceremony on June 7, 2007 at 5:30pm at Symantec Corporation, 350 Ellis St. Mountain View.

Farella Braun + Martel achieved certification by the Bay Area/ San Francisco Green Business Program and formally adopted a firmwide Environmental Policy Statement committing the firm to sustainability in business operations in September 2006.  To obtain certification, FBM committed to a comprehensive set of green policies and practices designed to increase resource conservation and recycling and reduce its operations' impacts upon the environment.  Elements of  FBM's Green Program include enhanced composting and recycling, environmentally preferable purchasing, partnering with local non-profits and organizations for reuse of unneeded computers, supplies and furniture, energy and water conservation, and quantification of our greenhouse gas emissions.

"Farella Braun + Martel saw becoming a green business as not just the way to go, but the only way to go," said Steve Lowenthal, firm chairman.  "Being green is an ongoing process.  Our enthusiastic employees are continuously improving our existing efforts and undertaking new initiatives to promote environmental sustainability."

Since 1990 Acterra's Business Environmental Awards program has recognized over one hundred Bay Area businesses, governments and academic and nonprofit organizations for excellence in environmental leadership.  Acterra is a Bay Area non-profit with a 37-year history of innovation in bringing people together to address environmental challenges and create local and regional solutions that foster a healthy natural environment. Acterra's programs offer ways for community members and businesses to take action against global warming, to restore native habitats, and to educate and cultivate environmental leaders for the future. http://www.acterra.org/.

Since its founding in 1962, Farella Braun + Martel has achieved a national reputation for the acumen of its business practice, the high profile cases of its complex commercial litigation practice and its prestigious client base. Based in San Francisco, the firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. The firm also has an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry and related businesses. http://www.fbm.com/

Press Contacts:

Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart                              Cheryl Loof
Blattel Communications                                   Farella Braun + Martel 415.397.4811                                                415.954.4433
[email protected] / [email protected]           [email protected]