Forging a Sustainable Future in the Legal Industry

You’d be forgiven for thinking of the legal industry as nothing but documents, deadlines, and drama – but it’s also quietly creating an ecological dent. There’s no way around it: those seemingly endless stacks of paper, the reliance on printing contracts by the kilo, and law firms running like energy-hungry machines around the clock are all problematic. Still, change is slowly gathering momentum.

The Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, which includes major firms like DLA Piper and Clifford Chance, is working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Many firms are also adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies to meet client demands for sustainable practices and align with industry trends.

Sustainability isn’t just for trendy startups anymore. The law is finally on the docket for a green overhaul – and it’s not just about switching to recycled paper or popping a potted plant on the reception desk.

Sustainability: Not Just a Clause in the Fine Print

Law firms have historically followed practices as entrenched as precedents themselves. Printing reams of documents for court bundles or client meetings, for example, has long been part of the job. But, as environmental pressures escalate, the industry can no longer plead ignorance. Innovative firms are going beyond the basics of reducing paper usage; the legal sector is waking up to the fact that being eco-conscious involves much more than just skimming the surface when it comes to environmental policy.

There’s an increasing shift towards digital platforms – think virtual hearings, cloud-based case management systems, and e-signatures. It’s not only about convenience; these tools cut down on travel, minimize office overheads, and reduce the industry’s collective carbon footprint. There is also now a growing wealth of legal resources to be found online, with platforms like JusticeDirect leading the charge on ‘access to justice’ all while championing sustainability by the very nature of its design.

Less Paper, More Progress: The Digital Reformation

The old-school image of lawyers buried in papers may soon be as outdated as the fax machines that once churned so much of it out. Modern firms are trading cabinets for cloud storage, leveraging document automation software, and adopting AI-powered tools to streamline workflows. Contracts are being drafted, shared, and signed online with a speed that makes courier services feel practically medieval.

And it’s not just the thrill of going digital – there’s a green edge to it, too. The Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA) reported a reduction in law firms’ emissions by 11% since 2017, with an average of 3.24 tCO2e per employee. The LSA encourages digital transformation to minimize environmental impact through reduced emissions and paper usage.

Cloud computing may not be perfect (servers do have their own energy costs), but compared to reams of physical paperwork, it’s a major step forward. And let’s be honest, if the only thing standing between us and fewer Amazonian trees being cut down is a better Wi-Fi connection, it’s an argument every law firm should find compelling.

Energy-Hungry Offices: A Power Problem in Pinstripes

A lesser-known culprit in the legal industry’s environmental impact? Offices – those cavernous spaces have a relentless appetite for energy. Lights that stay on after everyone has left, heating systems that battle the Antarctic even when the conference room is empty, and server rooms that hum ominously through the night. 

Leading firms are tackling this issue by rethinking office spaces. Some are shifting to smaller, energy-efficient premises; others are embracing hybrid models, allowing staff to work remotely several days a week. The savings? Lower electricity bills – and fewer unnecessary commutes. Plus, working from home means that lawyers can argue cases in their pajamas, which might just be the greatest perk of all.

The Verdict: Holding Firms Accountable

Regulators and clients alike are applying pressure, and the industry is feeling the heat – not just from the climate crisis, but from evolving client expectations. More companies want to see their legal advisors align with sustainable practices, and being carbon-neutral is fast becoming a selling point rather than an afterthought. Firms that lag behind risk reputational damage; after all, if your lawyers aren’t keeping up with sustainable practices, what does that say about their attention to other details?

Greenwashing – when companies pay lip service to sustainability without actually making any meaningful changes – simply won’t cut it anymore. The future of legal work involves more than just words on a mission statement. Clients are savvier than ever and expect law firms to walk their sustainability talk – preferably with smaller carbon footprints.

A Greener Future with a Sharper Mindset

Sustainability in the legal field isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a mindset shift. Forward-thinking firms are starting to integrate environmental goals into their broader business strategies. Some have even partnered with environmental nonprofits to develop sustainable legal frameworks or offer up pro bono services for climate initiatives. The best firms are those that understand a simple truth: sustainable practices aren’t just good PR; they’re good business.

Like case law, change in the legal industry can be slow and (painfully) methodical. Still, as firms gradually adopt greener practices, the future looks increasingly promising. The journey towards sustainability will involve trial and error, but that’s okay. After all, lawyers are no strangers to the art of argument – and if they can negotiate multimillion-dollar deals, they should have no trouble hammering out a better deal for the planet.

The Final Judgment: No Objections Here

The legal profession might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about sustainability, but it’s becoming a vital player in the movement. Law firms have a unique opportunity – and a responsibility – to reduce their environmental impact. With digital tools at their disposal, energy-saving strategies taking hold, and clients demanding more from their advisors, the path to a greener industry is clear.

It’s time for the legal sector to embrace change and set a precedent for others to follow. After all, the most compelling arguments are the ones that inspire others to act – whether in a courtroom or a boardroom. And while sustainability may not be ‘billable’, it’s certainly worth the investment.

The Environmental Impact of AFFF

By Jack Shaw

Fires destroy property, and the resulting emissions worsen climate change. Putting them out is difficult and opens up an entirely new can of ecological worms. What is the environmental impact of AFFF? Do any realistic alternatives exist, and how can society act together to minimize its use?

What Is AFFF? 

AFFF stands for aqueous film-forming foam. It’s a type of frontline defense firefighters use to put out flames caused by flammable liquids. It contains a mix of water and various chemicals that create a thin, heat-resistant foam on the surface of such liquids, preventing them from reigniting. This barrier also inhibits oxygen from reaching the fuel source and suppresses vapor release.

AFFF isn’t the stuff you typically find in your average household fire extinguisher. It’s usually stored as a concentrate and mixed with water before use, typically through the fire hoses and sprayers fire departments use.

How Is AFFF Most Often Used?

AFFF is, therefore, most often used by fire departments. However, you’ll also find it in these other four common locations where flammable liquid fires are more likely to occur:

> Industrial use: Many industrial centers install fixed foam systems because of high fire risks. When sensors detect a fire, these systems automatically deploy to prevent escalation and further damage.

> Aviation use: Jet fuel is highly flammable. Aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles come equipped with AFFF to douse flames on planes and tarmacs quickly.

> Military use: Military-grade AFFF douses flames on military vehicles, naval vessels and aircraft. It’s contained in equipment meant to withstand harsh environments.

> First responder use: Municipal firefighters and emergency responders also use AFFF to douse flames at accidents.

AFFF use can prevent fires from spreading in any of the above scenarios. For example, vehicle fires can easily ignite roadside scrub that can spread over wide areas in no time. One such blaze recently became California’s largest wildfire this year after a man pushed a blazing car into a gully.

Most vehicle fires don’t erupt as a result of deliberate intent. Many occur because of manufacturer defects within the car itself that prompt a later recall. However, recalls don’t restore acreage lost to wildfire. Other common causes of car fires include poor maintenance — such as sparks from worn brake pads — electrical issues and improper towing. Chains dragging on asphalt at high speeds create a lot of friction.

The Impact of Fire on the Environment — AFFF Concerns, Fire and the Big Picture 

AFFF poses environmental concerns because of the chemicals it contains called fluorosurfactants. These chemicals fall under the collective blanket of PFAS and break down very slowly. Therefore, they can build up in water, soil and living organisms, causing a myriad of adverse health effects.

PFAS are commonly known as “forever chemicals” in the popular media. Researchers from Purdue University discovered that these substances interrupted the growth process of tadpoles developing into frogs. Many also express concern about exposure to PFAS and rising cancer rates — a recent lawsuit filed in South Carolina claims it resulted in testicular cancer.

Alternatives to AFFF exist, including: 

> Carbon dioxide: It disperses oxygen from the affected area but can be dangerous in confined spaces.

> Environmentally friendly foams: They’re designed to be free of PFAs

> Dry chemical agents: These work particularly well against Class B fires caused by flammable liquids.

> Water-based systems: For example, industrial settings often use sprinklers.

Proper cleanup methods can also minimize the impact of AFFF on the environment. Firefighters must maintain a delicate balancing act when choosing the best substance to extinguish a blaze.

Fires emitted 640 million metric tons of carbon in 2023, so controlling them quickly also protects the environment. Nevertheless, transitioning to greener alternatives is a must to prevent the accumulation of PFAS in soil and water and the resulting adverse effects on human and animal life.

Wise Fire Protection Tips Anyone Can Follow to Decrease AFFF Use

It may not seem like you can do much to decrease AFFF use, especially if you don’t work in one of the industries listed above. However, everyone shares responsibility for preventing fires and stopping their spread should one erupt.

One person can spark a blaze — or potentially save hundreds of lives. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Keep Fire Safety Equipment on Hand and Test It Regularly 

Your home should have fire detectors in the following locations: 

> Each floor

> Each sleeping area

> The hallways outside sleeping areas

Additionally, every house needs at least one fire extinguisher. You should inspect it monthly, looking for signs of rust, dents or any other indications it may not function as it should.

Furthermore, test your smoke alarms. Making a schedule — perhaps coordinating these tests with paying your rent or mortgage to make it easier to remember — keeps you on track.

2. Avoid Leaving Stoves and Fires Unattended 

When cooking, stay in the kitchen. Many a fire has started after someone put something on the stove to boil, laid down on the couch to await their dinner and fallen asleep. Don’t leave candles or incense burning unattended.

Going camping? Never leave a campfire unattended, and ensure you bring plenty of water and an extinguisher to douse the flames.

3. Store Flammable Liquids Properly 

Read labels carefully and follow the instructions. Always use approved containers, ensure you have adequate ventilation, keep them away from heat and flame, and consider investing in an approved storage cabinet for such materials.

4. Inspect Your Heat Sources

If you use space heaters, ensure they have no frayed cords or other signs of damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, place them on flat, non-flammable surfaces and never leave them running unattended.

5. Maintain Your Electrical Systems 

Pay attention to signs your home’s electrical systems may need attention and call for help when necessary:

> Hot outlets

> Flickering lights

> A burning smell

> Shocks when touching metal surfaces

> Loose outlets

> Signs of rodent infestation

How AFFF Affects the Environment

AFFF can quickly douse fires, but at an environmental cost. The forever chemicals it contains can enter soil and waterways, posing health risks to ecosystems and human beings alike. Switching to friendlier alternatives is one solution — preventing fires from happening in the first place is the ultimate goal.

Jack Shaw is the senior editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine Modded and has written extensively about electric vehicles, sustainable practices, and maintaining a green lifestyle through your everyday actions. His writing can be found in Green Living Journal, Packaging Digest, EcoHotels, and more. Connect with him via his LinkedIn.