On the heels of receiving a LEED Silver certification for its new building, the law firm of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy, & Ecker, P.A., is one of the first 11 businesses to earn Montgomery County’s Green Business Certification. The new program recognizes voluntary efforts to protect, preserve, and improve the environment.
“The attorneys and staff at Shulman Rogers are committed to making the ‘green’ lifestyle one that is nearly effortless for us to maintain,” said David Pordy, managing shareholder at the firm. “Giving back to the community we’re a part of is extremely important to everyone at Shulman Rogers. Being awarded with the new Green Business Certification will allow Shulman Rogers to continue providing the best legal services in the county, while creating a cleaner environment in which we conduct business.”
As part of its commitment to the environment, Shulman Rogers has a “Going Green” committee, which encourages all staff members to make minor changes that will positively affect the environment. Because of the committee’s efforts, the firm recycles used paper and printer cartridges, and uses supplies and vendors when possible who offer greener alternatives.
In addition, Shulman Rogers’ new building in the Park Potomac development includes many features that lessen its impact on the environment, such as carpet that contains few to no chemicals that can irritate allergies, and a technology infrastructure that uses the least amount of energy possible. There are also Energy Star appliances throughout the office.
To qualify for Montgomery County’s Green Business Certification Program, a company must demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation of energy and water, carbon footprint reduction, and waste reduction and recycling. The program includes an extensive online resource guide that also encourages businesses to expand their “green” activities.
“With the Green Business Certification Program, the County is encouraging environmental responsibility, and customers will have a way of recognizing which businesses are going green,” said Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive. “Businesses are telling us that our comprehensive program is actually motivating them to further expand their green activities.”
Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection modeled the new program by using the best features of other similar programs around the country. Applications are judged on seven criteria: organizational commitment; waste reduction and recycling; environmentally responsible purchasing; energy efficiency and renewable energy; efficient runoff management and water use; pollution prevention; and transportation and travel.
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