Sustainability

Clients want to meet the growing emphasis on using natural resources for current needs, yet conserving and preserving natural resources for future generations, all while achieving their business objectives.

Sustainability goes by various definitions.  A common thread among most, if not all, is on three components: people, planet and profit – and setting goals and taking action to maintain and benefit each component.  With regard to the planet (or environmental) component, legal issues arise in various contexts.  The use of green building standards, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), has become more prevalent.  Green marketing claims are made by companies to tout environmental aspects of their products.  Companies utilize renewable energy to conserve natural resources and/or reduce their carbon footprint.  Companies issue sustainability reports.  Each of these matters can have contract, regulatory and compliance issues, and we advise our clients on how to successfully navigate these legal issues.

Representative Matters:

• Represented a major packaged foods company with respect to development and implementation of a sustainability program.
• Advised a major university on enhancements to its sustainability program.