ABOUT MS&K |
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp has demonstrated its commitment to the environment over the past decades. Long before "going green" became fashionable among companies in general, and law firms in particular, MS&K recognized the importance of ecology and the responsibility we each have toward the planet that we share. In an effort to minimize the environmental footprint left by the firm, we have established a comprehensive and growing array of policies and procedures to which we all adhere.
ENERGY STAR BUILDING
Energy Star is a nationally recognized symbol of an organization that is working to reduce global warming and its impact on the environment. The energy efficiency within commercial facilities is scored on a scale from 1 to 100. Buildings that achieve a score of 75 or higher earn the Energy Star designation and use on average 35% less energy and generate 33% less carbon dioxide than similar buildings. The Trident Center, home to the Los Angeles headquarters of MS&K, is an Energy Star building with a rating of 94. Some of the firm's energy conservation policies contributing to that rating include:
- Energy-saving software
- Computers are turned off nightly
- Light sensors turn off lights in retrofitted unoccupied offices
- Office lights are turned off nightly
- Thermostats are maintained at "middle dot" settings to conserve air conditioning use
- Blinds and drapes are closed whenever possible for better insulation
- Low-flow aerators are installed in kitchens, restrooms and locker rooms
- Only water-based paint is used for interior decorating
- Wood furniture is maintained only with environmentally friendly conditioning products
- Carpets are cleaned only with environmentally friendly products
- MS&K mugs are provided to everyone; styrofoam products are no longer used
- Environmentally friendly plates and utensils are provided and are requested of our catering vendors
RECYCLING
MS&K has used recycled bond and copy paper since the 1980s. Currently, we stock and use paper composed of at least 30% post-consumer waste content. All employees and work centers have been provided with separate containers for trash and for paper, and all paper waste is sent to recycling centers. Bottles and cans are similarly collected in dedicated recycling bins. Toner cartridges and batteries are recycled as well. The firm hasn't purchased inter-office envelopes in over 20 years, choosing instead to repurpose suitable large envelopes received by mail or messenger for the inter-office routing of documents and materials. To the extent that online research is printed in the course of handling a matter, that non-confidential material is now donated to primary schools and other non-profit organizations that use the blank side for drawing and crafts projects.
PAPERLESS OFFICE INITIATIVES
We all recognize that creating more paper is not in anyone's best interest, and the firm has taken steps to provide responsible alternatives. The firm uses only "Energy Star" designated copiers capable of copying, scanning and emailing documents. As such, everyone has and chooses digital options to copy and distribution documents whenever practical. E-Filing of court documents, applications and other official materials is standard operating procedure at MS&K. Our practice groups have significantly reduced their reliance on paper, with the Trademark Group already a virtually paperless practice. Other groups are preparing to follow suit. Clients and friends of the firm have been encouraged to opt-in to receive our Alerts and Newsletters digitally via email, rather than in hardcopy via U.S. mail. As of January 1, 2009, all firm Alerts and Newsletters will be distributed only via email.
SERVER VIRTUALIZATION
Our green Information Technology (IT) efforts include server virtualization to reduce the power and cooling footprint required in today's modern technology-driven law firm. By turning conventional server-level hardware into software (virtual) servers that run with other virtual servers on a single state-of-the-art server-level hardware platform, we significantly reduce the power consumed by the physical hardware devices. In addition, less heat is generated by the new server platform and, consequently, less energy is required to cool the room.
RIDESHARING & TELECOMMUTING
For over twenty years, MS&K has promoted alternatives to single-rider commuting by car to work. The firm offers meaningful incentives to carpool, take mass transit or even ride a bike to work, and many of our employees do just that. MS&K is a leader in its computer and telephone technology which enables our attorneys and selected staff to work remotely and from home as if they are in the office. This "Find Me, Follow Me" technology provides an important distinction in our case management and client service capability, making telecommuting a viable option.
