Being green has become a distinguishing aspect of our organizational culture. As a law firm, it is our job to protect clients and look out for their best interests. It’s only natural that we do the same for our environment.
The facility where our
St. Louis headquarters is housed is built under strict LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, making it a certified green building. The LEED green building rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being. Getting certified allows us to take advantage of a growing number of state and local government incentives.
In moving and/or redesigning our office spaces, we decided to take the route of environmentally-friendly design, facilities and technology. But “going green” doesn’t only mean being environmentally conscious—it also takes into account the long-term success of the firm and the sustainability of the communities we call home.
Armstrong Teasdale has embraced sustainability as a basic principle of excellence in our organization. By centering our business environment on an enduring model, we better serve our clients, communities and employees. Our Sustainability Committee or “Green Team”, tasked with assisting the firm in achieving its sustainability goals, is led by attorney
Timmi Paulson and includes attorneys and staff from all areas of the firm.
Armstrong Teasdale’s Sustainability Policy is our commitment today and in the long run for all-around excellence financially, socially and environmentally.
Financially
Armstrong Teasdale aims to meet the needs of our clients today without compromising the needs of future generations. We know there is no middle ground in providing service to our clients. They count on us to be dependable, honest and totally committed to their interests at all times. Our client team members will develop and maintain cutting-edge knowledge in the legal and business aspects of sustainable development, environmental responsibility, conservation, renewable resources and clean technologies.
Our financial health is the foundation for the sustainability of our professional excellence and our recruitment and retention of exceptional talent. We will continue to seek to improve appropriate metrics of profitability.
Socially
At Armstrong Teasdale, we’re constantly on the lookout for brand ambassadors. Recognizing that to keep those brand ambassadors, we need to create a sustainable culture of health, well-being and diversity. We treat employees in a respectful, non-discriminatory way and offer fulfilling opportunities to learn, grow and achieve.
Through our
pro bono efforts, we work to ensure that the doors of justice are open to all, regardless of economic status. As a firm and on an individual basis, we have dedicated ourselves to giving back to the communities in which we work. From dress-down days to benefit charitable organizations to rebuilding homes for
Rebuilding Together, to donating food to
St. Patrick Center, we are working hard to make a difference.
Environmentally
Our space, designed by
STUDIOS Architecture, is a real-life example of strategic environmental and business management. It also puts us in a better position to set an example for other businesses in our community as well as our clients and colleagues.
The EPA has recognized Armstrong Teasdale as a
Green Power Partner for its significant purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates. Our participation is helping to reduce the risks associated with climate change by supporting technologies that are more sustainable for businesses and communities.
In 2011, we received the Circle of Excellence Award of Achievement for participating in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. And as a firm, we will continue to evaluate and improve our conservation practices.
Here are some of our environmental initiatives:
- Floor plans were designed to make use of natural lighting.
- Lighting sensors are installed in each office and in commonly used areas to turn off lights when vacated.
- Energy smart replacement light bulbs are purchased for desk lamps.
- Office and kitchen equipment, including newly purchased electronics, are Energy Star certified.
- Recycling bins are considered standard equipment in each office. Bins are also placed in all catering areas, copy centers and conference rooms.
- All printers and copiers use 30 percent certified fiber source recycled paper. This includes AT’s paper suite (letterhead, etc.). In the last six months, we have reduced our paper use by half.
- Document production center regularly makes double-sided copies.
- Notices and memos are distributed electronically.
- Employees are encouraged to hold off-site meetings via virtual meeting programs or video conferencing.
- When a computer is retired, it is made available to employees, refurbished and donated, or sold with the proceeds going to the AT Family Fund.
- Electronic equipment that is unusable is picked up by a specialized electronics recycling firm.
- Computers go to sleep mode after a set time of inactivity.
- Copiers go to stand-by mode after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- Fans and heaters are prohibited in individual offices or workstations.
- The firm’s main caterer, Guckenheimer, is an environmentally conscious organization that provides the highest standards and operating practices that support and protect the environment.
- Fresh fruit orders from Fruit My Cube are delivered weekly for those who order online.
- Employees were provided a reusable water canteen.
- Any future renovations will involve green building standards.