SAN DIEGO, Calif. — City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced Friday that the San Diego City Attorney’s Office has adopted an office-wide Sustainability Policy to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs.
The Sustainability Policy (attached) contains voluntary guidelines to reduce paper use, eliminate disposals, reuse equipment and supplies, minimize energy use, purchase sustainable products, recycle, provide commuter incentives, and to use and encourage others to use green meeting guidelines.
“We are committed to taking every step we can to protect our environment and reverse the harmful effects of climate change,” City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said. “A greener workplace reduces our ecological footprint, ensures a better world for future generations, and saves taxpayer money.”
Elliott noted that the legal profession consumes tremendous amounts of paper, electricity, and other natural resources. Using fewer resources, such as paper and energy, significantly lowers the cost of legal services.
Among its green accomplishments, the City Attorney’s Office already incentivizes commuter alternatives, encourages employees to turn off lights and idle electronic equipment, and purchases sustainable products. Recycling bins are available throughout the workplace, and the office has an active Sustainability Committee comprised of dedicated volunteers.
In addition, San Diego’s is the first City Attorney’s Office in the state to sign on to the California State Bar Eco-Pledge, which was developed to address the sheer volume of paper, water, electricity and related office resources used in the business of law. The Eco-Pledge came from an awareness that environmental protection, climate change, and related environmental and social issues are urgent problems that call for action. A list of previous signees can be found here.
Deputy City Attorney Heidi Vonblum, who also led the legal team responsible for the City’s Climate Action Plan, spearheaded this effort on behalf of the Office.
