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Tonkon Torp is proud to be an Oregon-based firm, and our core values are reflective of our home state's position at the forefront of sustainability. The firm's commitment to sustainability reflects our respect for the community in which we live and work and is essential in understanding the challenges faced by the clients we advise on sustainability matters.
Tonkon Torp's Sustainability Committee has a nine-year history of establishing policy, educating and motivating lawyers and staff to implement sustainable practices, and measuring our results. Among the firm's sustainability activities are the purchase of environmentally friendly supplies, equipment and services and implementation of an electronic file management system that will minimize the use of paper. Wherever possible, DVDs and CDs are employed in data storage to reduce our paper use.
The firm is a recognized leader in the use of an "extranet" to make documents available to clients or third parties in order to avoid the massive and repetitious photocopying of transaction and due diligence documents. Recycling is strongly encouraged, and our conference and staff break rooms are stocked with durable products rather than disposables. The firm offers lawyers and staff incentives to use mass transit, carpooling, car sharing and bicycles, and hosts workshops and classes designed to encourage sustainable practices at home and in the office. Tonkon Torp has been recognized for its work in sustainability, including receipt of a RecycleWorks Award from Portland's Office of Sustainable Development and admission as an EPA-ABA Law Office Climate Change Partner.
Lawyers and staff contribute their time and energies to such organizations as Oregon Lawyers for a Sustainable Future, Recycling Advocates, Oregon Natural Step Network and the Portland Business Alliance Sustainability Committee. A sponsoring partner of PDX Lounge, we participated in Chicago's Greenbuild 2007. Our attorneys also are involved in sustainability publications, such as Sustainability: The Journal of Record.
Tonkon Torp's Sustainability Practice Group includes attorneys and paralegals with experience fostering businesses that can support a sustainable economy. Drawing on our attorneys' knowledge in energy, forestry, green building and emerging companies, the interdisciplinary group focuses on issues ranging from renewable energy, real estate and environmental law to corporate finance and governance, intellectual property and lobbying.
In 2007 the firm launched a sustainability law blog. The blog covers issues critical to businesses seeking to create a sustainable future for their organizations, their communities and the environment. Located at www.sustainabilitylawblog.com, the site features posts from attorneys and paralegals in the sustainability practice group.
