WLG | impact ’24: Arnold & Porter Pledges USD $2M of Pro Bono Work Annually

WLG | impact '24: Arnold & Porter Pledges USD $2M of Pro Bono Work Annually

Arnold & Porter is one of the eight founding firms of Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, through which the firm has pledged to dedicate at least $2 million worth of pro bono work each year.

Arnold & Porter partnered with the American Bar Association to publish Environmental, Social, Governance: The Professional's Guide to the Law and Practice of ESG, designed to help companies (and those advising companies) navigate the challenging risks and opportunities associated with environmental, social, and governance issues today. In 24 chapters — addressing a wide variety of ESG-related topics – the authors offer practical guidance to help companies and their legal advisors weigh competing considerations and plot a course consistent with the company's values and strategy.

GHG Emissions and Reductions

Beginning in 2022, the firm engaged a consultant to assist with GHG data collection to document and understand annual Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and to establish baseline measurements for future reductions..

Internal and External Communication and Initiatives

In 2023, the firm formed a Sustainability Committee, with representatives from firm leadership, attorneys, and professional staff. The committee evaluates sustainable initiatives, develops policy recommendations, and communicates progress to internal stakeholders. The firm also educates personnel about the steps they can take to conserve resources, including firmwide notices, communications from operations and facilities, and the integration of resource conservation material into the firm's training programs. 2024 Sustainability Committee Initiatives include:

Arnold & Porter's Sustainable Initiatives focus on resource conservation and sustainable business practices to reduce resource consumption in all of Arnold & Porter's offices, with specific initiatives to address paper products and packaging, energy and water efficiency, reduction of food waste, enhanced composting and recycling programs, reduction in single-use plastics, transportation, and GHG emissions and reductions. In total, the firm has a historically robust approach to sustainability, including implementation of "best-practices" with an increased focus on data collection and formalized policies.

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Paper Products and Packaging

The firm has reduced paper consumption by using recycled paper for printing, copying, holiday cards and cleaning/bathroom paper products; converting internal distribution of reports, faxes, newsletters, and bulletins from hard copy to electronic; and changing the default settings on printers to two-sided, reducing the amount of paper per copy by 50%. In addition, the firm reduced toner settings on all printers and currently recycles its used toner cartridges.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Arnold & Porter purchases and installs "Energy Star" rated equipment when available. Energy Star is a joint program of the EPA and the US Department of Energy helping businesses and homeowners save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Energy Star products used in our offices include such items as lighting, washer & dryers (DC only) and refrigerators. Motion sensors and timers activate light fixtures to reduce power when the space is unoccupied. Photocopiers and printers ae equipped with automatic "sleep" mode when the devices are not in use. To reduce energy consumption, HVAC operating hours are limited during periods of reduced demand (nights/weekends/low-occupant workdays).

Water-efficient plumbing fixtures are utilized to reduce water consumption. New construction projects utilize materials manufactured with high-recycled content. Construction debris are separated, with metals, woods, and concrete diverted from landfills.

Reduction of Food Waste

In the area of food waste, Arnold & Porter has paired with its culinary provider in the New York and Washington, DC offices to maintain a low food waste program by repurposing food whenever possible. In lieu of disposal, excess food is donated to local shelters. In 2020 the firm introduced a "buffet" program in the Washington DC Conference Center to better control the portion size and the total amount of food prepared for large meetings. This limits food waste and conserves energy and water by reducing the amount of cooking and clean-up.

Reduction in Single-Use Plastics

Arnold & Porter has committed to reduce the total usage of single-use plastics or, in some

instances fully eliminate plastic water bottles and straws in all offices. Plastic straws have been removed from pantries and cafeterias. Compostable or recyclable containers and utensils are provided in pantries and cafeterias. Additionally, each employee is provided washable bamboo utensil kit and insulated hot/cold beverage thermos. In the effort to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles in the Washington, DC office, the catering group uses a bottling system, with reusable glass bottles, providing still and sparking water in conference rooms. Potable water and ice are available in each pantry for those that chose to refill their personal containers.

Recycling and Composting

The firm works closely with the property management teams and third-party vendors to maximize recycling and composting opportunities in each office location. This includes separation of trash from recyclable and compostable materials at each kitchen, pantry, and copy area; purchasing recyclable or compostable coffee and tea packets, purchasing recyclable or compostable cups and food containers for cafeterias and pantries; contracting with outside vendors to collect composted food waste from kitchen operations in NY and Washington DC; recycling cooking oil; and partnering with Iron Mountain (document storage/retention vendor) on an aggressive approach to shredding of documents to reduce paper waste.

Transportation

Arnold & Porter encourages employees to use environmentally sound modes of transportation and participate in the "Metrochek" program, a pre-tax transportation deduction for public transportation. In Washington DC, the firm invested in dedicated electric vehicle charging stations for firm employees and guests. Many of the parking facilities in our leased buildings have electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage facilities, and dedicated parking for high occupant/"van pool" vehicles. All the firm's offices are proximate to mass transit options.

GHG Emissions and Reductions

Beginning in 2022, the firm engaged a consultant to assist with GHG data collection to document and understand annual Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and to establish baseline measurements for future reductions..

Internal and External Communication and Initiatives

In 2023, the firm formed a Sustainability Committee, with representatives from firm leadership, attorneys, and professional staff. The committee evaluates sustainable initiatives, develops policy recommendations, and communicates progress to internal stakeholders. The firm also educates personnel about the steps they can take to conserve resources, including firmwide notices, communications from operations and facilities, and the integration of resource conservation material into the firm's training programs.

Externally, the firm participates in the annual EcoVadis survey and CDP, while also responding to numerous client and industry specific surveys regarding sustainability. As the firm's approach to sustainability continues to evolve, Arnold & Porter is also evaluating participation in other third-party initiatives such as SBTi.