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Our work and our values align toward a better future
We team with clients to mitigate the impact of climate change, optimize our business, and support green organizations through pro bono and philanthropy.
Our Legally Green® Framework
Generating progress
- Investing in sustainable projects
- Our attorneys leverage green bonds and tax credits to help clients create sustainable residential and public-works projects.
- Harnessing solar energy
- We team with our nonprofit affiliate, NP Solar, to facilitate and finance solar rooftop installations that generate clean energy and utility bill credits for low-income families.
Protecting the planet
- Working sustainably
- Many Nixon Peabody offices are LEED-certified, employing green building techniques and sustainable practices while showcasing artwork from local artists.
- Supporting green entrepreneurs
- Our attorneys provide pro bono legal work for sustainability-focused nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and incubators to facilitate their success now and in the future.
Raising standards
- Powering global compliance
- Our team advises clients on carbon reporting, ESG (environmental, social, and governance), and product labeling. We’re also serving as counsel in a merger to create a single sustainability reporting standard.
- Advising clients on sustainable business and building
- We counsel clients on issues related to clean technology and green building and material, water, and waste reuse.
Powering change
Through our continued support of nonprofit partner New Partners Community Solar, NP was able to advance economic equity and renewable energy use in Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas in 2022. Highlights from a busy year included a new solar project at a downtown commercial office building and expanded opportunities for investment created by the Inflation Reduction Act.
$65,719
Utility billing credits created for local families through NP Solar energy generation
468,370
Pounds of carbon dioxide emissions eliminated through increased use of solar
100%
Increase in the number of families in need who received billing credits to reduce their utility costs
Our Partnerships
We’ve created joint sustainability initiatives with local and global stakeholders who share our commitment.
Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy
Jubilee Housing’s Solar+Battery Storage Low-Income Resiliency Hub
With NP Solar, we assisted with Washington, DC’s first shelter-in-place resiliency center in Jubilee’s Maycroft Apartments, providing an emergency power source during grid outages.
Sustainable Ocean Alliance
Our attorneys led the effort to obtain 501(c)(3) certification for this San Francisco-based nonprofit ocean solution-focused startup accelerator and worldwide leadership facilitator for ocean advocacy.
NP Solar
Nixon Peabody founded this nonprofit organization that uses rooftop solar arrays to produce renewable energy and cost savings for low-income families in Washington, DC.
Kinetic Communities Consulting Corporation (KC3)
A cross-practice group of our attorneys worked with KC3, a Hispanic woman-led nonprofit, to facilitate solar rooftop gardens at 24 buildings in eight multi-family housing developments.
The Nature Conservancy
Our attorneys advise the global nonprofit on everything from conservation easements to floodplain restoration projects.
We think strategically about the ways we can spur innovation, reduce environmental impact, and encourage green investment.
Alison B. Torbitt
Committed to sustainable workplaces
Seven of our offices have earned LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, with more on the way. This designation signifies the use of environmentally friendly practices in building design and construction.
Use of sustainable wood and materials
Approximately 25% of the products used in our San Francisco office were either made from recycled content, FSC, wood, or sustainable materials.
Indoor environmental quality
For our Chicago office, we used building materials that meet low-emitting criteria, including paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants, flooring, wall paneling, insulation, and composition wood.
Saving energy costs with daylighting
At our San Francisco location, nearly 80% of the office receives natural light while 95% have access to the views.
Open spaces for efficiency
Our Boston office features interconnecting stairs that encourage movement and communication between floors.
Reducing materials waste
Nearly 75% of the waste collected from demolition and construction at our San Francisco office was diverted from landfills and successfully recycled.
Services to help our clients achieve their sustainability goals
Renewable energy
We work with clients developing solar and geothermal projects, implementing carbon capture solutions, improving operational efficiency, and facilitating electric car and grid upgrades.
Energy sector
With deep knowledge of regulations and disclosure requirements, we navigate the complex world of ESG reporting.
Sustainable development
From developing green building standards to facilitating renewable energy credits, we help clients make a positive impact on our world.
Achievements and Recognition
Clean Energy Champions
We were recognized for creating the first solar program for low-income households in Washington, DC.
EDF Climate Corps
We were the first law firm to participate in EDF Climate Corps, a fellowship program that helps build the business case for energy efficiency.
Law Firm Sustainability Network
NP is a founding member of this national nonprofit, promoting sustainability and corporate social responsibility across the legal industry.
Key Contacts
Partner / Co-leader, Food, Beverage & Agribusiness / Co-leader, Environmental
- Office+1 415.984.5008
- atorbitt@nixonpeabody.com
Robyn R. Churchill
Director, Administrative Operations
- Office+1 585.263.1139
- rchurchill@nixonpeabody.com