In the last few years, Brownstein found an increasing number of clients recognized the value of sustainable practices from clean energy and green buildings to reducing their overall carbon footprint and preserving natural resources. More than just the right or fashionable thing to do, it makes sound economic and business policy.
During this time, Brownstein attorneys and policy consultants from various practice groups counseled builders, real estate developers, lenders, corporations and other clients in the nuances of green building regulation and standards. Many sought help regarding USGBC or other building standards and certification processes. Some required direction about green business practices, state and federal tax benefits and incentives, or reporting requirements. Still others needed assistance creating legal frameworks for land conservation.
The firm soon realized that virtually all of its clients intersect in some way with “green” law regulations and policy, and created this opportunity to bring together all the attorneys and policy advisors working with clients within this rapidly emerging legal arena.
Brownstein’s Green Advisory practice offers counsel related to public policy, land use and zoning, building and construction, energy, corporate law, renewable energy, water, air quality, environmental regulation, real estate, climate change and more.
Three LEED accredited attorneys make up the core of the team, supported by several accredited associates. Many other attorneys and paralegals are currently seeking LEED AP, LEED Green Associate or other types of accreditation. And as one might expect, Brownstein attorneys and policy consultants are also involved in the conversations that shape environmental standards on state and federal levels.
Putting Green Into Practice
Brownstein not only counsels clients on green legal issues, but also puts green into practice in its own business. In recent years the firm has actively worked to reduce its consumption of energy and other resources.
For example, the Denver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles offices are all located in LEED certified buildings; the Las Vegas office was the first office building in Nevada to be certified by the USGBC at the Platinum level. In addition, the five floors Brownstein occupies in Denver served as the pilot project for the building's owner in receiving its LEED EB (existing building) Gold certification. This included implementation of a groundbreaking composting program for office lunchrooms.
Moreover, Brownstein is the first private law firm to sign the California State Bar’s EcoPledge and is presently working with bar associations in its other states to create and implement similar programs.
Read more about the Green Building practice here. Brownstein doesn’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.
|