DLA Piper
Although DLA Piper is based around the world, our people share a common purpose when it comes to tackling climate change. As a global business legal practice, we regularly run internal campaigns that unite and inspire our people wherever they are based.
Overcoming tough logistical challenges, these campaigns have raised awareness and made a tangible impact on reducing our carbon emissions and operating our business in a more sustainable way. As part of our Global Sustainability Initiative in the US, we introduced two programs to encourage sustainable personal travel.
We introduced two programs to encourage sustainable personal travel. The Hybrid Vehicle Incentive Program provides a reimbursement to offset the purchase or lease of a hybrid vehicle for all non-partner lawyers, paralegals and staff members. DLA Piper reimburses $2,000 for the purchase of a new hybrid vehicle and $1,500 for the lease of a new hybrid vehicle for the first 100 approved requests. The Alternate Commuting Incentive Program encourages using public transportation, vanpooling, carpooling, walking, or biking for at least 60 consecutive days.
In July 2009, we became the first international legal practice to adopt Telepresence, a state-of-the-art meeting technology, in six of our offices across the US. Heralded by The National Law Journal as “the future of law firm communication,” this technology allows us to meet with our colleagues and clients virtually, thus eliminating the environmental consequences of travel.
In reference to the two programs introduced to encourage sustainable personal travel we have learnt that commuter and hybrid car policies can encourage sustainability.
Using technology such as Telepresence does indeed reduce the need to travel, saving both money and eliminating the environmental consequences of travel.
Since the hybrid vehicle incentive program began in 2007, 82 people have participated. In reference to the alternative commuting incentive program it has been well received and this can be seen in that so far, 85 people have taken advantage of this program.
The results of the DLA Piper’s Telepresence also seem positive in that the technology is eliminating negative environmental consequences. Telepresence is currently located in our offices in Baltimore, Chicago, East Palo Alto, New York, San Diego and Washington, DC – with plans to adopt the technology in additional offices in 2010 – including London in February. In addition, we are partnering with Tata Communications to allow our clients and lawyers to use their Telepresence suites located throughout the world.
We anticipate the technology to ultimately save nearly US$1 million dollars annually in reduced travel costs and lost productivity incurred when travelling.