Northwest law firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt has been recognized by the Oregon State Bar Sustainable Future Section as a “Partner in Sustainability.” The section created the “Partners in Sustainability Program” in 2012 in order to encourage law firms of all sizes to adopt sustainable office practices and to honor those firms that satisfy the Section’s sustainable practices criteria.

“The Oregon State Bar has embraced sustainability and law firms in Oregon are following suit,” said Section Executive Committee member Michelle Slater. “It is encouraging that the legal profession is making changes to promote more office practices that conserve resources and show an awareness of the impact of the legal profession on the environment. Partners demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by incorporating sustainability into their office culture and practices.”

The Program’s criteria for designation as a “Partner in Sustainability” require that the law firm adopt an office sustainability policy and implement an internal education program. The Program also has criteria related to paper management, energy and water reduction, waste and toxics reduction, transportation energy reduction, and sustainable purchasing.

“Across the firm, we’ve committed to continually improve the sustainability of our offices,” said firm shareholder Carmen Calzacorta, chair of Schwabe’s sustainability committee. “It’s a commitment that’s important to our communities and to our employees. We’re honored by this most recent recognition of our actions.”

Schwabe has also received a gold level certification from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability for sustainable practices, and has been recognized as one of the Best Green Companies to work for by Oregon Business Magazine.